THE Severn Tunnel will be closed for six weeks from next month to enable the railway line to be upgraded to carry a new fleet of electric trains.
The 130-year-old tunnel will be closed to trains between September 12 and October 21.
Four tonnes of soot will be removed from the tunnel and repairs to the brickwork will be carried out ahead of the upgrade.
During the six-week closure, Network Rail will install over eight miles of conductor rail, designed to provide power to the new electric trains.
Paul McMahon, route managing director for Network Rail Wales, said: “While this six-week project will result in short-term disruption, there are significant long-term benefits which will come as a result of electrifying the railway.
“Without a solid six-week closure, it would take engineers up to five years to complete the upgrade, causing long-term disruption for passengers and delaying the new electric trains until 2021.”
Whilst the closure is in place trains will be diverted via Gloucester whilst buses will also transport passengers from Newport to Bristol.
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