Work got underway on Saturday, 8th April, at Bath Spa station and the surrounding area to modernise the platforms in preparation for new, longer Intercity Express trains coming into service later this year.
Photo courtesy of Network Rail (Great Western Route)
The £15 million works, undertaken by Network Rail, are being done to help meet growing demand for rail travel.
From Saturday 8th to 23rd April, the ‘orange army’ are working 24/7 to widen both the platforms and realign the track to reduce the curve throughout the station.
This will significantly reduce the stepping distance to and from trains, as well as adding more room for passengers on the platform.
After the main works period, Network Rail will carry out follow-up works, including tamping down the track, overnight on the following dates:
- Monday 24th April to Friday 28th April;
- Sunday 30th April;
- Monday 1st May to Friday 5th May;
- Monday 12th June to Thursday 15th June.
Local residents are being reminded that it is a noisy process, and Network Rail apologise for any disruption.
Live from #bathupgrade the #orangearmy work on the station is well underway #railwayupgradeplan pic.twitter.com/wVLyx0YSyN
— Great Western Route (@networkrailwest) April 10, 2017
Between 8th April and 23rd April, engineers will also be lowering a section of track west of Bath. This work will mainly take place during weekends and bank holidays, although some overnight work midweek will be necessary.
Overnight tamping works will follow on Tuesday 25th, Thursday 27th April, Monday 12th and Thursday 15th June.
Drainage works will also be taking place later this month. These include:
- Sydney Gardens – From Friday 14th to Monday 17th April (the Easter bank holiday) the orange army will be working day and night to carry out track drainage works, using a large hose for jetting the system. All works will be from the track but can be noisy.
- Bathampton and Box Ashley – Drainage renewal works using engineering trains, mostly taking place during weekends and bank holidays between 8th and 23rd April. There will be some night time follow up works midweek during this period.
While the works continue, there will be a reduced service running from, to and through Bath Spa station on weekdays.
All running smoothly this morning. Thank you for your patience. #bathupgrade pic.twitter.com/umD1MCgRZi
— Great Western Route (@networkrailwest) April 10, 2017
A rail replacement bus service is running from all affected stations at weekends and on bank holidays.
You can check before you travel by visiting www.nationalrail.co.uk/easter or www.gwr.com/Bath2017.
