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Friday 25 May 2018

Residents in South Gloucestershire invited to find out more as electrification upgrade continues

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Residents in and around Pilning near Bristol are being invited to a drop in session about railway electrification work in the area as part of the London Paddington to Cardiff upgrade that will bring passengers faster, greener, more frequent and quieter journeys from 2019.

The drop in will take place on Tuesday 29 May, from 4.30pm to 7.30pm, at Mafeking Hall, Redwick Road, Pilning, BS35 4LG; where Network Rail staff will answer any questions residents may have.

Network Rail is working on weekends to install the remaining steel masts in the Pilning area ahead of a three-week closure of the railway between Bristol Parkway and Newport. This will allow electrification upgrade work between Patchway Station and the Severn Tunnel to take place from 16 June to 7 July.

During this time Network Rail’s Team Orange will be lowering track and installing electrification equipment through the Patchway railway tunnels; as well as putting the overhead power lines up over the masts and gantries through Pilning and the surrounding area.

Samantha Patterson, electrification sponsor for Network Rail, said: “We would like to thank local residents and also passengers for their patience as we continue to deliver this vital electrification work as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan.

“Once complete this will enable GWR to run quieter and greener trains through the area to benefit residents, as well as providing more seats and quicker journeys for passengers.

“I would encourage residents who are interested in finding our more about this work in the Pilning area to attend our drop in session and have a chat with our project team.”

More information visit www.networkrail.co.uk/summer-tunnels