Rail updates

Network Rail have issued an update on 21st August on the progress that they are making with the track upgrades in The Bath area.

Please see below the update issued.

Progress at Box Tunnel and Bathampton Junction
We’ve completed the lowering and installation of the new track inside Box Tunnel on the up main line and we’re on track to finish tamping and stressing work this weekend.
 We will start lowering the track on the up main line from Box Tunnel to west of Middle Hill Tunnel as well this weekend. This work is due to finish at the end of next week, but more updates on this in our next newsletter. Work at Bathampton Junction is progressing well and we’re on schedule to finish welding and stressing next Wednesday. 

Sydney Gardens – work starts today
The final stage of work starts today in Sydney Gardens. For the next three days we will be working from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm on the drainage. On Monday morning we will be starting the track lower. Please remember we will be working around the clock until Saturday, 29 August.
We will be holding a drop in session in Sydney Gardens next Tuesday, 25 August from 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm. Look for the orange tent (pictured below) between the railway and the Holburne 
Museum. Our team will be happy to answer any of your questions.

The bus replacement service - First Great Western 
The intensive rail replacement operation has settled down to operate smoothly bringing commuters and visitors to and from Bath.
The highly visible bus coordinators and customer service staff brought in to look after the bus operation and the customers have added a welcoming, helpful and informative personal touch.

Confidence and knowledge has grown and the customer service staff in Bath have become adept at helping customers with train and bus information, but also act as information sources for local buses and mini tourist guides to the thousands of tourists enjoying a visit to Bath.

Traffic congestion in Bath remains a challenge, but some mitigations developed in association with BANES City Council, such as an extended bus lane on London Road, phasing of traffic lights at a key junction and re-locating some standby vehicles have helped minimising delays in the evening peak. 
Coordinators and customer service staff at Chippenham, Bradford on Avon, Trowbridge, Westbury and Frome continue to offer excellent support at these key bus/rail or bus/bus interchange locations.