South Gloucestershire track and drainage upgrades
Extensive track and drainage work is taking place in Patchway and Filton, during a two-week closure of the Severn Tunnel
From Saturday 23 May 2026 until the early hours of Tuesday 9 June, a range of railway improvement work is taking place in South Gloucestershire. Our teams are taking advantage of the two-week planned closure of the Severn Tunnel to replace track and drainage in the Patchway and Filton areas.
Severn Tunnel electrification equipment upgrade
During a two-week period of continuous working, starting on the late May bank holiday weekend, we will be replacing the overhead conductor rail on the ceiling of the Severn Tunnel, on the eastbound (Bristol-bound) line.
The new system will be more resistant to the corrosive environment, improving train performance and bringing better reliability over a longer lifespan.
The upgrade follows the successful installation of the new system on the westbound line through the Severn Tunnel last year.
Track and drainage work in Patchway and Filton
Throughout the two-week period we will be working inside the eastbound Patchway tunnel and also on a stretch of the line between Patchway and Filton, replacing track and drainage. There are known issues with flooding within the tunnel that have meant a temporary speed restriction on trains. This work should alleviate the issue, meaning faster and more reliable train services between Bristol and South Wales.
We will also be working on the Filton West Curve, replacing points and also a section of single line track. The area also needs full drainage renewals, which will follow on later into the Summer. This is part of the work to prepare for the opening of the new Bristol Brabazon station and the first regular passenger services on the Henbury line since 1964.
While we’re there we’ll be making improvements to our railway access point and track crossing between Canberra Grove and Conygre Grove.
Additional maintenance
Our maintenance team will be using the closure of the line to inspect track, points and other signalling equipment as well as re-housing cables.
A track grinding train will be used between Charlton tunnel and Hallen Marsh junction, skimming the surface of the rails to remove defects and irregularities. This gives passengers a smoother ride and reduces noise. It also extends the lifespan of the track.
Bristol Brabazon station work
Bristol Brabazon station is taking shape and the closure of the Severn Tunnel and the diversion of trains gives us an opportunity to reach new milestones, progressing more of the work that is needed directly over and next to the track.
During the bank holiday weekend we will be lifting in the new station’s footbridge and staircases; joining the two new lift shafts that have recently been constructed. We will also install coping stones that will make up the top edges of the two platforms.
Platform work will continue over the coming months, followed by cladding of the lift shafts and starting on the overall fit out of the station, installing the station’s electrical systems, waiting shelters, benches and other equipment.
This autumn the first phase of construction of the new station will be complete, allowing the first regular passenger services on the Henbury line since 1964. A second phase of construction will then get underway, to prepare the station for the opening of the Aviva Arena Bristol in 2028.
Passenger information
Saturday 23 May – Monday 8 June
Replacement road transport is planned between Bristol Parkway and Newport – both non-stop and stopping services.
Valid rail tickets can also be used to travel on the m4 metrobus services running between Bristol Parkway and Patchway, plus the T7 TrawsCymru bus services between Bristol and Chepstow.
Trains will run hourly between London Paddington and Swansea/Carmarthen by using an alternative route – stopping at Gloucester instead of Bristol Parkway.
Trains will also run between London Paddington and Bristol Parkway at peak periods only – customers should travel via Bristol Temple Meads instead at off-peak times.
GWR trains will operate between Bristol Parkway and Portsmouth Harbour on the weekend of 23/24 May, plus from Saturday 30 May to Monday 8 June.
These services will be operating between Bristol Parkway and Fareham instead from Monday 25 to Friday 29 May.
GWR trains will also operate between Bristol Temple Meads and Taunton/Exeter St Davids.
CrossCountry and Transport for Wales train services between Cheltenham Spa or Gloucester and Cardiff Central via Lydney will be unaffected.
Sunday 24 May
There will be no direct train services between London and South Wales.
Instead, GWR will operate trains between London Paddington and Bristol Parkway, plus between Newport and Swansea/Carmarthen.
Important to note
Some train services between Bristol Temple Meads and Severn Beach will run to an amended timetable due to freight trains for Avonmouth being diverted on this route.