Electrification of rail Network

Network Rail have been carrying out improvements to the rail tracks in preparation for electrification works. 

Below is a statement issued by Network rail on the work that they are doing.


We’re almost at the end of the fourth week of our project to prepare the Bath railway line for electrification, with one piece of work completed at Dundas and the other sites progressing well.

Dundas Aqueduct - track work completed on time
We have successfully completed the track work at this location last weekend, with approximately one mile of track lowered in one week. This wasn't a project without challenges, as due to the high temperatures recorded last weekend, we had to re-schedule a piece of stressing work on the up main line for next Wednesday, 19 August. There will also be some follow up work in the area during the second half of next week, as originally planned. 
The track lower work at Dundas will allow the line to be used as a diversionary route for freight trains in the future. It also means that we now have the right capacity for the DMUs (diesel shuttle trains) that will be cascaded from the Thames Valley area once the electrification project is complete, which will give an increased passenger capacity on the valley line for local commuters. 
If you’d like to see the scale of the project and the level of the work involved, but also the beautiful scenery at Dundas, please watch the stunning time-lapse video below. We hope you’ll enjoy it.

Network Rail Video

Box Tunnel and Bathampton Junction - work progress
The track lowering work in Box Tunnel is progressing well and we are on schedule. Our team is currently working on the up main line coming from the Corsham end of the tunnel, relaying the ballast and the new tracks.
It has been a challenging week for our team working at Bathampton Junction. On Monday night we had more spoil to remove than expected. However, our national supply chain came up trumps and sent in an additional train at very short notice. This has had a slight impact on the programme but nothing to worry about. Our planning team has worked hard to reduce the impact.

The rail replacement service – First Great Western
The rail replacement service is running very well, with many peak morning services arriving early. First Great Western is in constant contact with the council to identify and resolve any issues as they arise. Bath is very much open for business throughout the rest of the work.