02.11.17
Bristol modernisation work to restart in November with overhead line upgrade
Modernisation work in Bristol will continue in November with Network Rail planning electrification and platform improvements.
Overhead lines will be installed to continue the planned electrification on the route between London Paddington and Bristol and on to Cardiff.
Bristol Parkway station will also experience changes, with platform upgrades expected as well as changes to the tack layout.
The electrification is part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan – projected to finish in late 2018 – which is hoped to provide faster, greener trains with improved capacity.
“The upgrade is absolutely vital and will bring significant passenger benefits once electrification is complete as we continue to deliver our Railway Upgrade Plan,” commented Freddie Gleeson, scheme project manager for NR.
“We have chosen to carry out the work overnight and at weekends so we can minimise disruption. However, we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
The electrification will take place overnight on the first two weekends in November and means an overnight closure of the M4 at Junction 19.
GWR recently ran the first of their IET Class 800s between Bristol and Paddington. After some initial problems with air conditioning and system software, the trains are now in full service.
Matthew Barnes, regional development manager for GRW explained how the new modernisation would help to improve the service offered by the new IETS.
He said: “This upgrade work will help to relieve a bottleneck at Bristol Parkway, which is crucial to be able to provide more frequent services and, alongside electrification of the line, will help to deliver the full benefit of our new Intercity Express Trains.
“We would like to thank our customers in advance for their patience during this work, which is a planned continuation of what was started in September.”
Top image: Network Rail
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