Great Western Railway

Published: 11 September 2024

Next week, Network Rail will be carrying out improvement work on the line between Newbury and Westbury, with further works to follow later in the year. This is to replace life-expired track as well as flood alleviation work at Newbury, ensuring the railway remains safe and reliable for use.

From Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 September, the line between Newbury and Westbury will be closed. Trains will still run between London Paddington/Reading and Newbury, with replacement buses operating between Newbury and Bedwyn, and between Pewsey and Swindon.

Our long-distance services between London Paddington and Devon & Cornwall will be using an alternative route via Swindon on these dates, with longer journey times as a result. There will also be a reduced train service on the TransWilts line between Westbury and Swindon, with replacement buses also running between Westbury and Chippenham.

Further work will also be taking place between Theale and Westbury from Monday 11 to Thursday 14 November, as well as between Newbury and Westbury from Tuesday 10 to Thursday 12 December. We’ll be in touch with further details on these works closer to the time.

Online journey planners have been updated, and we’re also making customers aware through social and traditional media (including our media release here: https://news.gwr.com/news/rail-journeys-to-be-affected-by-engineering-works-in-the-newbury-area) and through on board and station announcements, and station posters. More information is also available at www.gwr.com/upgrade. 

Thomas Lydon | Public Affairs Manager | Great Western Railway

E: Thomas.Lydon@GWR.com

Heledd Iolo, Public Affairs Manager, Network Rail Western

E: Heledd.Iolo@networkrail.co.uk