Travelers through Gloucestershire should prepare for disruptions over the next two weekends as major maintenance and upgrade works temporarily close the railway line. Network Rail has confirmed that essential engineering efforts — including new rail and track equipment installations as well as drainage improvements — will take place to boost the railway’s reliability and resilience.
In addition to the track works, construction continues on the new Charfield station, alongside further enhancement projects at Cheltenham Spa and Kemble stations.
On Saturday, April 11, Sunday, April 12, Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, substitute buses will replace some Great Western Railway (GWR) services. These replacements will occur on routes between Gloucester and Bristol Parkway, Gloucester and Stroud (Saturday), and Gloucester and Swindon (Sunday).
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Meanwhile, CrossCountry trains will operate between Cheltenham Spa and Bristol Parkway via an alternative route, stopping at Gloucester and Newport stations. Additionally, rail services will run between Gloucester and Cheltenham Spa during this period.
Mark Parker, Network Rail’s lead portfolio manager, highlighted the critical nature of the work: “We’ll be working non-stop over these weekends to complete essential upgrades that will enhance journeys for passengers across Gloucestershire.” He advised passengers to plan their travel carefully due to the altered services and bus replacements.
GWR’s station manager for Cheltenham and Gloucester, Chloe Coglan, expressed regret for any inconvenience but emphasized the long-term benefits: “While some services between Cheltenham Spa or Gloucester and London Paddington will start or terminate at Stroud on Saturdays and won’t run on Sundays, replacement road transport will be available to ensure continued journeys across affected stations on both weekends. Passengers should be aware that these changes may significantly extend journey times, so advance planning is strongly recommended.”