Major work to close railway track for three weeks

The work, which is part of a wider project, will include the stabilisation of slopes beside the tracks and signal upgrades

People travelling by train between Gloucester and the Severn Tunnel Junction have been warned to plan ahead as major work is to take place.

Engineering work will close the railway through Severn Estuary for three weeks from Sunday 27 July to 08:40 BST on Sunday 17 August.

No trains will run on the stretch as work takes place to improve the tracks and drainage system.

Network Rail said there will be replacement buses for passengers between Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction via Lydney and Chepstow. Buses will also be running from Cheltenham Spa.

Nick Millington, route director at Network Rail, said it was part of the wider Severn Estuary Resilience Programme which was designed to protect rail lines in an area "especially prone to extreme weather and coastal erosion".

"We have chosen this time of year so that it minimises the number of passengers and freight hauliers impacted by this essential work, while keeping our teams undertaking the work safe," he said.

Planned improvements include:

• Track renewal and drainage support near Newham Tunnel

• Stabilisation of the slopes beside the tracks

• Vegetation management and litter clearances at Chepstow and Lydney stations

• More than 7,000 rock anchors to help stabilise structures and 32,000 square metres of netting to prevent debris falling onto tracks and causing disruptions.

Network Rail added online journey planners will be updated ahead of the works, and station staff will be available to assist passengers.