Train journeys to be disrupted by week-long works

A week-long disruption to train services is due to affect passengers travelling through Wiltshire.

Travellers have been warned that the replacement of sections of track near Pewsey will mean some journeys taking longer, and bus replacement services being used.

Works will start Saturday 10 October with disruption scheduled until Friday 16 October, affecting a number of routes.

Great Western Railway (GWR) has apologised for the disruption but said the investment is needed to make journeys safer and more reliable.

From Saturday, buses will replace trains between Pewsey and Swindon, where passengers will be able to connect to other train services.

If people travelling between Chippenham and Westbury, bus replacements will be in place only on weekdays, including at Melksham.

For travellers heading to Plymouth or Penzance, trains will continue to operate but via a diversion route which will add extra time to journeys.

Trains will run as normal for people travelling between Newbury and Bedwyn.

Track replacement will be carried out near Pewsey on the main line between Reading and Taunton.

Network Rail said the works are needed to reduce the risk of faults, and said it will also include drainage work to minimise future impact from rainfall.

Tom Butler, station manager for Kennet & Thames Valley at GWR, apologised for the disruption but said the investment will be felt "for years to come".

Meanwhile, Network Rail has thanked local residents and passengers for their patience and are advising them to plan ahead.

Martin Davey, senior portfolio manager for Network Rail added: "Please check your journey before travelling and allow extra time to reach your destination".

GWR also said staff will be on hand to help people get to where they need to be.

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