Train services along the Severn Beach and Filton lines have resumed after seven days of essential round-the-clock work to renew track and replace a railway bridge.
Work started with the replacement of a railway bridge over marshland at Chittening, between Avonmouth and Severn Beach, on 17th August.
Track and drainage replacements through Lawrence Hill station started on Sunday 18 August, and work began in Montpelier on 19 August, with rails being replaced in the tunnel, as well as the track under Ashley Hill towards Narroways Junction.
Work continued until the early hours of Saturday morning, with the railway reopened for regular passenger and freight services from just after 5am.
Direct trains continued to run alongside the work via the main lines, between Bristol Temple Meads and Filton Abbey Wood, but replacement buses kept passengers moving while the Severn Beach Line and Filton relief lines (serving stations between Bristol Temple Meads and Filton Abbey Wood) were closed.
During the seven days, engineers installed almost 900m of track and around 3,800 tonnes of stone.
Mark Parker, project manager for Network Rail, said: “Our teams worked around the clock to install new components that will keep passengers moving for years to come along these busy commuter routes.
“We’d like to thank passengers and residents for their patience while we carried out this essential maintenance to ensure the continued safe and reliable running of the railway in this area.”
Alex Hills, GWR Station Manager for the Bristol area, said:
“This work by Network Rail is part of an ongoing programme to help us continue to provide consistent and reliable services. We’re grateful to customers for their patience and understanding over the past week.”
Image credits: Network Rail
