The Great Western Railway line will have to be closed for essential repairs on a tunnel designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel on the outskirts of Bath.
A GWR train arriving at Bath Spa Railway Station | Photo © Colin Peachey / Shutterstock.com
An application seeking listed building consent for works on Twerton Short Tunnel, which is part of the line between London Paddington and Bristol, has been lodged with Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Network Rail says the 40-metre tunnel is in “poor condition” and in need of essential repair and maintenance.
Built around 1840, the portals are designated as Grade II*, reflecting their special architectural and historic interest and their importance within the early development of the national railway network.
Network Rail is proposing repair and maintenance works to the upside Bath wingwall and parapets, as well as tunnel lining repairs.
The wingwall is said to show signs of “significant structural movement with full height fractures and loss of masonry”.
The application says: “The works proposed respond directly to identified structural movement, material deterioration and long-term maintenance issues that, if left unaddressed, would result in continued decay and an increased risk of harm to the significance of the listed structure.”
It adds: “In order for the proposed repair and maintenance works to be undertaken on site, there will be a requirement for the closure of the railway and the possession of the railway line in this location.
“The railway will not be operating in this locality while works are commencing on site and so will likely affect some railway services.
“However, careful consideration will be required when booking such possessions to minimise impact of such closures to the railway services for rail passengers.”
The council is expected to make a decision by 25th May.
