Rail passengers are being reminded to plan their journeys carefully as a major upgrade to Gloucester’s signal box gets underway today.
The nine-day project, running until Sunday 5 October, will see engineers replace more than 10,000 wires inside the 1960s-built signal box. Network Rail says the work will modernise ageing infrastructure and boost reliability for trains travelling through Gloucestershire.
During the upgrade, no trains can stop at or pass through Gloucester station. Rail replacement buses are in operation across the region, with services affected on routes including Cheltenham Spa to Lydney, Worcester to Gloucester, and Gloucester to Swindon or Bristol Parkway.
On weekdays, trains will continue to run between Cheltenham Spa, Bristol Parkway and Swindon – but will not call at Gloucester.
Network Rail, along with GWR, CrossCountry and Transport for Wales, is urging passengers to check timetables before travelling and allow extra time for longer journeys.
Ben Perkins, from Network Rail, said: “This work is essential to ensure trains can run smoothly and reliably through Gloucester for decades to come.”