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Monday 22 Sep 2025

REMINDER: Passengers urged to plan journeys from Saturday ahead of Gloucester signal box upgrade

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

Passengers are reminded to plan their journeys in advance as Network Rail prepares to upgrade Gloucester signal box from this Saturday (27th September). 

Work takes place from Saturday 27 September to Sunday 5 October to replace more than 10,000 wires inside the signal box, upgrading the current infrastructure and boosting reliability for passengers travelling through Gloucestershire.

The signal box was originally built in the 1960s, and some components now need upgrading to improve reliability.  Trains travelling from Bristol, Worcester, Swindon and south Wales are all controlled at Gloucester. 

While the work takes place, no trains can stop at or travel through Gloucester station, and buses will replace trains at several stations in the region.

Saturday 27 September, Sunday 28 September, Saturday 4 October and Sunday 5 October

Impacted routes:

• Cheltenham Spa to Gloucester and Lydney
• Worcester Foregate Street to Gloucester
• Cheltenham Spa and Gloucester to Bristol Parkway
• Cheltenham Spa and Gloucester to Kemble (Saturdays) and Swindon (Sundays)

Monday 29 September to Friday 3 October

Impacted routes:

• Cheltenham Spa to Gloucester and Lydney
• Gloucester to Cam and Dursley
• Worcestershire Parkway to Ashchurch for Tewkesbury
• Trains will still run between Cheltenham Spa, Bristol Parkway and Swindon but can’t stop at Gloucester.

Network Rail lead portfolio manager Ben Perkins said:

“I'd like to remind all passengers planning to travel through Gloucester from this Saturday to plan their journeys in advance, either with their train operator or using National Rail Enquiries, as buses will replace trains whilst we deliver a significant upgrade of the Gloucester signal box. 

"This work is essential to ensuring trains can continue to run smoothly and reliably through the area." 

GWR station manager for the South Cotswolds Chloe Coglan said:

“This signalling work is important because these signals control all train movements in and out of Gloucester station as well as the wider area.

“On weekdays, trains can still operate between Cheltenham Spa and Bristol Parkway or Swindon by avoiding Gloucester, but not on weekends.

“During this period, train operators including GWR, CrossCountry and Transport for Wales will provide rail replacement services for stations affected.

“As an alternative, valid rail tickets can also be used to travel on local bus services running in the area instead. Check our website for the details.

"It’s important though that customers are aware these alternative travel arrangements will make journey times much longer, so please plan ahead."

Transport for Wales planning and performance director Colin Lea said:

"The nine-day blockade is an important upgrade to the Gloucester signal box, ensuring trains can continue to run safely and reliably for decades to come.

"We know this work will cause some disruption and we ask our customers to check their journey in advance before travelling. Buses will be replacing trains between Lydney and Gloucester or Cheltenham Spa."

ENDS