Residents near Bristol invited to find out more as electrification upgrade continues

Monday 16 Apr 2018

Residents near Bristol invited to find out more as electrification upgrade continues

Region & Route:: Wales & Western: Western; | Wales & Western

Residents of Patchway, near Bristol, and the surrounding area are invited to a drop in session this week to find out more about electrification upgrade work in May and June.

The session comes ahead of Network Rail’s continued vital electrification upgrade of the Great Western Mainline which will be followed by GWR introducing a new fleet of trains which can run on electric.

The drop in will take place on Wednesday 18 April from 4.30pm to 7.30pm at Stokes Youth and Community Centre, Little Stoke Lane, BS34 6HR where Network Rail staff will answer any questions residents may have.

At Patchway Station a new footbridge is being installed as the current footbridge is too low for the new Overhead Line Equipment, used for electrification, to pass underneath. The new footbridge will have lifts, providing a step-free route to both platforms without the need for staff assistance.

Further upgrade work will take place between Patchway and Severn Tunnel. This includes lowering of the track through Patchway Tunnel, to provide the clearance for the electric wires above, and the installation of masts and Overhead Line Equipment through Pilning towards Severn Tunnel Junction.

Samantha Patterson, route client representative on the electrification project for Network Rail, said: “I encourage residents who are interested in finding more about the work to attend.

“The upgrade is vital as we continue to deliver electrification as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan. Once complete it will enable GWR to introduce a fleet of trains which can run in electric mode, providing more seats and quicker journeys.”

The upgrade to the footbridge at Patchway will take place between 12 and 25 May and the upgrade between Patchway and Severn Tunnel will take place between 16 June and 7 July.

Contact information

Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41

Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries

Journalists
Network Rail press office -Western route
MediaRelationsWestern@networkrail.co.uk

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