Swindonians planning to visit Bath by train this weekend and throughout Easter may need to rethink their plans as Bath Spa station is set to close as part of Network Rail’s £15m upgrade works.
During these dates the track is being realigned to make room for the platforms to be widened. The works also mean that the stepping distance from the notoriously curved platform at the station will be reduced by up to 50 percent.
These crucial works will also make way for the arrival of a fleet of new, longer Intercity Express Trains later this year, bringing more seats per train and adding greater comfort for passengers.
Network Rail and GWR are working with Bath & North East Somerset Council to keep disruption to a minimum during this important upgrade, keeping trains running through the station on weekdays during the two-week period of works.
On weekends and bank holidays some train services will be diverted and buses will replace trains for journeys into and out of Bath Spa. Passengers are reminded to check before they travel, visiting www.nationalrail.co.uk/easter or www.gwr.com/bath2017
Michael Jones, project manager for Network Rail, said: “The modernisation works we are carrying out over the Easter period are absolutely crucial for Bath and the surrounding area. We thank residents and businesses in the city for their patience and understanding as we complete these improvements in order to meet growing demand.
“The Great Western Main line is one of the oldest parts of our network and Bath itself is a world heritage site. Working closely with English Heritage, Historic England and Bath and North East Somerset Council throughout the 18 month planning period, we have developed plans that will bring rail travel into the 21st century, while preserving Bath’s important heritage.”
Todd Graham, Bath Spa station manager for GWR, said: “Bath remains very much open for business throughout this period. We would like to thank passengers for their continued patience. Later this year our new Intercity Express Trains will enter passenger services and will provide more seats, more trains and with the completion of electrification faster journeys.”
