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Tuesday 26 Aug 2025

Trains running as normal on North Cotswolds line after engineering work completed

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

Trains began running again between Worcester Shrub Hill and Moreton-in-Marsh on bank holiday Monday morning after Network Rail completed engineering work.

 

Seven days of non-stop work took place on the North Cotswolds line to keep the railway running safely and smoothly.

2,000 yards of rail that had reached the end of its working life was replaced at three sites, two near Evesham and another at Honeybourne.

A new 500-yard walkway was built at Honeybourne station for train drivers who need to collect the “token” to use the relief lines.

Maintenance also took place inside the 900-yard-long Chipping Campden tunnel, built in 1853. Other tasks, such a clearing overgrown vegetation, were also completed.

Network Rail programme manager Jason Pankhurst said: 

“We’ve worked round the clock to complete this essential work to improve the railway.

“I'd like to thank passengers for their patience as we completed this work to improve the resilience and reliability of the network for years to come." 

GWR station manager for Oxford, Didcot and North Cotswolds area, Billy White, said:

“We’re very grateful to our customers from the North Cotswolds region for their patience while Network Rail completed these essential works over the last week.

“The works, which are part of ongoing maintenance to the railway’s infrastructure, help to ensure we can continue to provide consistent and reliable services for the community and those visiting the area by train.”

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