Key Temple Meads upgrades reach half way stage
Network Rail say the ÂŁ132 million investment will allow more trains to pass through
Last updated 12th Aug 2021
Work to upgrade the tracks at Bristol Temple Meads is running on time and on budget.
That's what we've been told with the project now at the half way stage.
Network Rail have been given ÂŁ132 million by the government to create a new layout just outside the station towards London.
The eight-week project started on Saturday 10 July and is scheduled to finish on Friday 3 September.
In addition to replacing the 1960s track and components, work is also ongoing to install new signalling equipment which Network Rail call "state of the art".
Engineers have already replaced over 2.1km of track, laid around 7,000 tonnes of ballast (stones that support the track), completed over 400 welds and realigned 200m of copers to suit the new track alignment design on platforms 1, 3 and 5 to ensure the safe and smooth running of the railway.
Last weekend (7-8 August) work continued to remove the old signalling gantry and upload the data onto the new signalling gantry, which was installed over the Christmas period last year (2020).
Attention now turns to the London side of the junction whereby engineers will repeat the similar process of digging out and replacing the old track and stone, focusing on the railway lines towards Bath Spa and London Paddington.
As part of the upgrade of Bristol East Junction, an extra line is also being introduced which will support new suburban services in the future as part of the West of England Combined Authority’s (WECA) MetroWest scheme.
Once complete, this scheme will provide over 4,000 additional seats on trains every day in the area.
The upgrade work is all part of the wider Bristol Rail Regeneration programme that will see a number of improvements to the station over the next three years, representing a major investment in sustainable transport in the region and creating "a major transport hub that will serve millions of passengers each year" and support business right across the region, according to a press release from Network Rail.
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “This £132 million investment will mean more regular and more reliable trains with more seats coming through the station as we increase access to opportunities and better connect communities across the region.
“Alongside this we are doing an extensive refurbishment of Bristol Temple Meads, providing better passenger facilities and improved accessibility.
“This is another great example of how we are building back better in Bristol and levelling up the South West.”
While the work is ongoing it does mean several timetable changes including the use of rail replacement buses.
Passengers are reminded to check before travelling and where possible plan ahead of their journeys. For more information and for the latest timetable changes, please visit GWR.com/Bristol or crosscountrytrains.co.uk/Bristol.