Trains continue to operate either side of the works, however customers should check their journey before setting out and allow extra time.

What’s changing: Monday 26 to Wednesday 28 October

Between Bath and Bristol

  • Buses replace trains between Bath Spa, Oldfield Park, Keynsham and Bristol Temple Meads
  • Valid rail tickets will also be accepted on First West of England buses

London services

  • Trains will run between London Paddington and Bath Spa
  • Trains between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads will take a different route and will not call at Chippenham or Bath Spa

Other routes

  • There will be no direct trains between Oxford and Bristol Temple Meads
  • Trains will run between Bristol Temple Meads and Cardiff Central, Gloucester and Worcester Shrub Hill, with some also calling at Ashley Down
  • Trains will run between Bath Spa and Westbury, and between Bath Spa and Portsmouth Harbour.
  • Separate trains will run between Westbury and Weymouth.

Why the work is happening

Network Rail is carrying out essential maintenance on the line between Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads, including works to Twerton and Saltford tunnels, vegetation clearance and drainage. The work will help keep this busy section of the railway running reliably for years to come.

GWR’s Station Manager for Bath Spa, Oana Apetroaie, said:

“This improvement work is essential to keep trains running reliably between Bath and Bristol for the communities who depend on them.

“Replacement buses will serve all the affected stations, but journeys will take longer. Please check before you travel at gwr.com/upgrade and allow extra time.”

Network Rail’s Great Western route Senior Portfolio Manager, Claudia Philps, said: 

“We’re carrying out essential maintenance between Bristol and Bath this October, including repairs to the historic tunnel at Twerton.

“We’ll also make the most of the line closure to complete a range of important work, including vegetation management between Twerton tunnel and Keynsham, helping to keep journeys safe and reliable for passengers.”

Before you travel

  • Check your journey at gwr.com.
  • Allow extra time, especially if you have a connection to make
  • If you need help travelling, book Passenger Assist in advance
  • Bikes, except folding bikes, cannot be taken on replacement buses, so please plan ahead

Source: Great Western Railway