The warning was reported by Swindon24 on Monday 29 June 2026, a week before the work was due to begin on the Great Western main line west of Swindon.
When were the works planned?
- Monday 6 July to Sunday 2 August 2026
- Further work on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August 2026
What was planned for passengers at Swindon?
- Services between Swindon and Bristol Parkway reduced to one train an hour.
- Journeys between London Paddington and South Wales expected to take around 25 minutes longer.
- Trains running throughout, with no rail replacement buses.
- Extra Great Western Railway (GWR) services between London Paddington and Swindon, and different stopping patterns on some trains.
Passengers were advised to check before travelling and to reserve seats where they could.
What was the work?
The project was to include track renewals west of Swindon and major structural improvements inside Chipping Sodbury Tunnel. It said the investment would improve reliability and protect the line from extreme weather.
Marcus Deegan, GWR's station manager for Swindon and Bristol Parkway, said: "Trains will continue to run throughout the work, and our teams will be on hand to help customers complete their journeys."
Michael Pinkerton, a Network Rail portfolio manager, said: "This work will make the railway more resilient and reliable for passengers long into the future."
Source: Swindon24.
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