OREANDA-NEWS. The ?50m project forms part of Network Rail’s Great Western Electrification Programme to modernise and significantly improve the main railway line that runs from London Paddington to Swansea.

To make room for the overhead lines that will be needed to power the new fleet of electric trains, essential changes need to be made to the railway infrastructure in Bath and its surrounding areas. Working closely with English Heritage, Network Rail has planned these changes to ensure they are sympathetic to Bath’s historic infrastructure and take account of its status as a world heritage site.

Starting this Saturday (18 July) the work will involve lowering 10km of track through Dundas Aqueduct, Box Tunnel, Middle Hill Tunnel and Sydney Gardens, removing the need to make significant changes to the historic infrastructure in these areas. This track lowering work will also involve installing 11 new sets of points over the duration of the project that is due to complete on 1 September.

Andy Haynes, Network Rail’s project director for the west of England, said: “The preparation work we are doing in Bath is essential to make the line ready for electrification and the benefits this will bring.

“The new electric trains are faster and will have more seats, more legroom and more tables. They are also greener and quieter, benefitting those who live close to the railway line.”

In order to complete the work in as short a timeframe as possible, there will be timetable changes and in some cases replacement bus services running to and from Bath over the six-week duration of the project. Passengers are therefore advised to check rail websites for travel information if their journeys involve passing through this area.

Andy continued: “We have been working closely with First Great Western, Bath and North East Somerset Council and Wiltshire Council to keep people on trains, where possible, while this work is taking place.

“I know that many people want to travel to and from Bath over the summer and I would like to stress that Bath remains open for business during this time, albeit your journey may take longer than usual.

“I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but please bear with us while we carry out work to provide a better travelling experience for passengers in the future.”

Rail minister, Claire Perry, said: “Improving the UK’s rail network is a vital part of our long-term economic plan. We are fully committed to electrification of the Great Western line as our top priority, and the work at Bath is another milestone in delivering this essential scheme.  

“I know that this work will mean some short-term disruption, but the industry is working hard to keep this to a minimum and I’d like to thank passengers for their patience. When it is complete, electrification will provide better, faster and greener journeys between London and Swansea, as well as boosting business and securing jobs across the South West.”