Week-Long Rail Disruption to Affect Wiltshire Passengers from Saturday

Rail passengers travelling through Wiltshire are being warned to expect changes to services as major track works are carried out near Pewsey.

The week-long programme of work is due to begin on Saturday 10 October and continue until Friday 16 October, with some passengers facing longer journeys and replacement bus services.

The work involves replacing sections of railway track on the main line between Reading and Taunton. Network Rail says the investment is intended to reduce the risk of faults and improve the reliability of the railway.

Passengers travelling between Pewsey and Swindon will be particularly affected, with replacement buses operating between the two locations from Saturday.

Travellers are being advised to allow additional time for their journeys, as the replacement services and changes to train routes could result in longer travelling times.

Passengers travelling between Chippenham and Westbury will also see changes. Replacement buses will operate on weekdays during the works, including services calling at Melksham.

For those travelling towards Plymouth and Penzance, trains will continue to operate, but some services will use a diversionary route. This is expected to add extra time to journeys.

Not all services will be affected. Trains between Newbury and Bedwyn are expected to operate as normal throughout the works.

As well as replacing sections of track, Network Rail will carry out drainage improvements near Pewsey. The work is designed to reduce the risk of future disruption caused by rainfall and help keep the railway operating reliably.

Great Western Railway has apologised to passengers for the disruption and said the investment in the railway will provide benefits for years to come.

GWR station manager Tom Butler said the works were necessary to support safer and more reliable journeys, while thanking passengers for their patience while the work takes place.

Network Rail has also asked passengers and local residents to plan ahead and check their journey before travelling.

With replacement buses and diverted services operating on some routes, passengers are encouraged to allow extra time, particularly if they have onward connections to make.

GWR staff will be available to assist passengers during the disruption and help them find the appropriate services.

Anyone planning to travel through Wiltshire between 10 and 16 October is advised to check the latest journey information before setting off.