Travel delays and timetable changes amid rail revamp

Passengers have been warned to expect delays and disruption as some essential track improvement works lead to timetable changes this weekend.

Renewal work on the Great Western Main Line (GWML), carried out by Network Rail, will impact all Great Western Railway (GWR) services running in Wiltshire via Chippenham on Saturday and Sunday.

Trains will not run between Swindon and Bath Spa or Westbury on either day, with replacement bus services being in operation.

Mark Parker, from Network Rail, said: "We're grateful to passengers for their patience while this vital work takes place and encourage anyone planning to travel over the weekend to check their journey in advance and allow extra time."

The works will affect travellers across GWML - the high-speed line that runs from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads.

On Saturday, most long-distance services between those two stations will use alternative routes, with certain services not stopping at Didcot Parkway or Swindon.

On Sunday, all services will use an alternative route with these services extending to and from Bath Spa.

Road replacement bus services are also planned for services running between Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge and Westbury.

Further information can be found on National Rail's Journey Planner.

The works, which are set to clash with the Chippenham Half Marathon on Sunday, are the latest disruption to be faced by local rail travellers after passengers were warned of delays during recent upgrades to the station forecourt.

Chippenham station manager Oana Apetroaie said that staff are "genuinely sorry for the inconvenience" the works will cause, but added that they would help maintain a reliable railway "for years to come".

While the line is closed, Network Rail will also be installing a new canopy at Chippenham station to help to preserve the Grade II listed building.

Mark Parker, lead portfolio manager for Network Rail's Great Western Route, said: "We're grateful to passengers for their patience while this vital work takes place and encourage anyone planning to travel over the weekend to check their journey in advance and allow extra time where needed."

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