Gloucester area upgrades

Throughout 2025, we’re working on the Severn Estuary line between Gloucester and Chepstow to maintain a safe and reliable railway for decades to come

What work is taking place?

We’re replacing track, upgrading signal equipment and making level crossings safer.

Monday 12 to Friday 16 May 2025

  • Replacing 400 yards of track and ballast at Naas near Lydney
  • Replacing drainage and cleaning stone at Newnham-on-Severn tunnel
  • Preparation to upgrade Broken Cross level crossing near Westbury-on-Severn

Saturday 26 to Friday 1 August 2025

  • Replacing 260 yards of track and ballast at Newnham-on-Severn tunnel
  • Preparations to upgrade signal equipment – part of the Gloucester Area Signal Programme

Saturday 27 September to Sunday 5 October 2025

  • Signal equipment upgrade at Gloucester signal box – part of the Gloucester Area Signal Programme
  • Maintenance at Gloucester station

When is the work taking place?

Three core blocks of work are scheduled.

During these times buses replace trains between Gloucester and Chepstow or Lydney:

  • Monday 12 to Friday 16 May 2025
  • Saturday 26 July to Friday 1 August 2025
  • Saturday 27 September to Sunday 5 October 2025

How will this work affect me?

Monday 12 to Friday 16 May and Saturday 26 to Friday 1 August 2025

  • Buses replace trains between Gloucester, Lydney and Chepstow
  • Transport for Wales trains from Cardiff terminate at Chepstow
  • CrossCountry trains from Nottingham terminate at Gloucester

Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September and Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 October 2025

  • Buses replace trains between Cheltenham Spa, Gloucester, Lydney, Bristol Parkway and Kemble
  • Transport for Wales trains from Cardiff terminate at Lydney
  • CrossCountry trains from Nottingham terminate at Cheltenham

Monday 29 September to Friday 3 October 2025

  • Buses replace trains between Cheltenham, Gloucester and Lydney
  • GWR trains from London Paddington to Cheltenham and from Cheltenham to Bristol Parkway do not call at Gloucester
  • CrossCountry trains from Nottingham terminate at Cheltenham
  • Transport for Wales trains from Cardiff terminate at Lydney

Why is the work needed?

We’re carrying out this work to ensure the area has a safe and reliable railway for the future.

Get in touch

If you have any questions or require further information in the meantime, you can get in touch with us by visiting our contact us page or by calling our 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.