Latest Rail News

26.06.17

NR to extend platforms at Bristol Temple Meads for new GWR fleet

Two platforms at Bristol Temple Meads will be extended this summer in anticipation for a new fleet of diesel-electric Intercity Express Trains being brought into service by GWR.

The announcement was made by Network Rail who say that the current platforms cannot accommodate the extra length of the new rolling stock. GWR’s new trains will provide more seats, better facilities and more comfortable journeys when they come into service in the autumn.

During the work, which starts at the end of June, the existing ramp will be demolished, before extension works are completed overnight in a three-week period from the end of July to mid-August.

Michelle Scogings, senior programme development manager at Network Rail, said: “I would like to thank passengers in advance for their patience as we undertake this work to accommodate the new fleet of Intercity Express Trains at Bristol Temple Meads as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan.

“We have worked closely with our colleagues at GWR to ensure that the impact on local residents and passengers from this work will be minimal,” she added. “Passengers will see the benefits from this work in the autumn as the new trains come into service, providing a vital capacity boost, as well as more space for passengers and their luggage.”

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Comments

Huguenot   26/06/2017 at 21:41

What the announcement doesn't say is that London-Bristol journey times will be longer with the Class 800s than with the current HST 125s until the wires go all the way to Bristol.

Lutz   26/06/2017 at 22:20

@Huguenot You can thank NR for that.

Me   27/06/2017 at 11:57

@Lutz No, you can thank the government for that.

Bristolhack   28/06/2017 at 09:32

@Huguenot What are you basing that on? It would make a good article for the local paper if I can prove it!

Lewis C   30/06/2017 at 09:07

Class 800s have a maximum speed of 100mph when under diesel power. The Great Western Main Line has higher line speeds than that so on the unelectrified sections, an HST will out-speed them. The only compensation is that their acceleration is far greater than an HST, so I'm unsure as to how badly services will be affected.

Steve O   25/07/2017 at 18:41

The government have not been supportive enough with this project. They should not have paused the Electrification of the Bath route and the Parkway to Temple Meads route. This should be going ahead. Our government is too keen to pool resources into over ambitious projects like Crossrail 2 and HS2. Our existing network needs the upgrade to ensure the best use of the new trains

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