First Great Western and Network Rail have announced further details regarding the works to be undertaken in this summer.
The work will cause six weeks of service disruption for railway users, with bus replacement services and reduced services for train from Bath, Bradford on Avon, Trowbridge, Westbury, Warminster, Chippenham and Melksham.
Through-routes that use these stations will also be affected such as trains travelling through Salisbury from the south coast to Bristol and Cardiff.
Phase one will take place from the 18th -31st July and will impact various lines including the route from Chippenham and Bath through Box Tunnel which will be closed.
Therefore, there will be a heavy dependence on the single line between Bradford Junction via Melksham.
Also in July, the Westbury to Swindon service will be mainly replaced by rail replacement services between Trowbridge and Chippenham.
The work that will be carried is said to provide benefits such as more space and more seats on new trains and more reliable services. They also pledge that the upgrades will have benefits for the environment, with reduced carbon emissions and a quieter service for rail users and line side neighbours.
Despite disruption over the coming months, the plans proposed promise a much better travel experience for travellers.
