Rail journeys affected by track maintenance between Bath and Bristol this weekend

The essential works mean there will be no trains running between Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads on 7/8 October, and or Sunday 22 October.

• Customers can still travel between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads as trains will use an alternative route – not stopping at Chippenham or Bath Spa
• Trains will also run between London Paddington and Bath Spa up until 1930 on Saturday 7 October
• Shuttle trains will then run between Swindon and Bath Spa after 19:30 on Saturdays and all day on Sunday/s.
• Replacement buses are planned to operate between Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads
• Valid rail tickets can also be used on the 9, X39, 1, 5, U5 or 349 buses
• Trains will continue to operate Bath Spa and Westbury, Frome, Weymouth or Portsmouth Harbour

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

“This forms part of an ongoing programme of investment in our railway that will enable us to maintain safe and reliable services for customers travelling between Bath and Bristol.

“We are providing alternative road transport and rail tickets can also be used on some local bus services in the area to allow passengers to continue their journeys with as little inconvenience as possible.”

Tom Hounslow, Network Rail Project Manager, said:

“We’re carrying out vital drainage work during this period when the line is closed.

“It’s really important that this work is done in a timely fashion to ensure that the railway is resilient and can cope with adverse weather. We’d like to thank passengers for their patience.”

For the latest information, visit GWR.com/Upgrade.

Notes to editors

First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR has been awarded a National Rail Contract to continue operating the Great Western network, which shall run up to 21 June 2025, with the potential for a further three years at the Secretary of State’s discretion. Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us