The work being carried out by Network Rail will help maintain safe and reliable services for the communities and passengers who depend on the railway every day.
During the works, Network Rail will also begin installing scaffolding for a new canopy at Chippenham station, an improvement that will benefit passengers for years to come.
What this means for your journey
Trains will not run between Swindon and Bath Spa or Westbury on either day. Replacement road transport will operate between:
- Chippenham and Bath Spa
- Chippenham and Swindon
- Chippenham, Melksham and Westbury
Trains between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads will continue to run via an alternative route, though journey times will be longer than usual. On Saturday, services will travel via an alternative route between Swindon and Bristol Temple Meads, or between Reading and Bath Spa.
- Trains cannot operate between Swindon and Bath Spa or Westbury
- Replacement road transport is planned between Chippenham and Bath Spa, Chippenham and Swindon, or Chippenham, Melksham and Westbury
- A revised train service will still operate between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads
- On Saturday, these trains will use an alternative route between Swindon and Bristol Temple Meads, or another route between Reading and Bath Spa
- On Sunday, these services will only use the alternative route between Swindon and Bristol Temple Meads but will also extend to/from Bath Spa
- Trains between Oxford and Bristol Temple Meads will also use the alternative route between Swindon and Bristol Temple Meads and won’t stop at Chippenham or Bath Spa – these train services don’t run on Sundays
On Sunday, services will run via the alternative Swindon–Bristol Temple Meads route, with some extending to and from Bath Spa.
Trains between Oxford and Bristol Temple Meads will also use the alternative route and will not call at Chippenham or Bath Spa. These services operate on Saturdays only.
Passengers travelling on Sunday should be aware that the Chippenham Half Marathon is also taking place, which is expected to increase demand significantly for rail replacement services. Those travelling on Sunday are particularly encouraged to plan ahead and allow additional time for their journey.
GWR’s Station Manager for Chippenham, Oana Apetroaie, said:
“These rail improvements are important for the communities and passengers who depend on these services – not just this weekend, but for years to come. The work being carried out will help us maintain a reliable railway for Wiltshire, and the new canopy at Chippenham station is something passengers will really notice when it’s complete.
“We are conscious that Sunday is also Chippenham Half Marathon day, which means rail replacement services could be extremely busy. We would really encourage people to plan ahead, allow extra time and check their journey before they travel.
“We know that disruption is never welcome, especially at weekends, and we are genuinely sorry for the inconvenience this will cause. Our teams will be on hand to help.”
Mark Parker, lead portfolio manager for Network Rail’s Great Western Route, said:
“We’re carrying out essential track renewals in north Wiltshire over the weekend of 12 and 13 September to help ensure the railway remains safe, reliable, and fit for the future.
“While the line is closed, we’ll also be taking the opportunity to progress the installation of a new canopy at Chippenham station, delivering long-term benefits for the communities it serves and helping to preserve the Grade II listed building.
“We’re grateful to passengers for their patience while this vital work takes place and encourage anyone planning to travel over the weekend to check their journey in advance and allow extra time where needed.”
How to make your journey as smooth as possible
- Check before you travel at gwr.com/upgrade — timetables will differ from normal
- Allow extra time, particularly for onward connections
- Consider travelling earlier or later to avoid the busiest services
- Sign up for journey alerts for real-time updates throughout the weekend
Source: Great Western Railway
