Reminder - railway electrification work

As we've previously reported, for 4 weeks from 19th August Network Rail will be carrying out electrification work between Royal Wootton Bassett and Westerleigh junction. Some of the work will be noisy.

From 2nd to 15th September, the work will be extended to include Westerleigh Junction, Coalpit Heath, Winterbourne, Stoke Gifford and Bristol Parkway station, up to Patchway/Filton junctions and Bristol Parkway station will be closed. Trains will still be running using diversionary routes, with rail replacement bus and coach services in place for some journeys.

For the latest on the railway upgrade works go to www.networkrail.co.uk/westernupgrade and for more about rail services during the Bristol Parkway closure go to gwr.com/bristolparkway2017 or crosscountrytrains.co.uk/bristol2017

If you have any questions about the work and missed the earlier drop-ins, there is another one planned at The Old School Rooms, St Michael’s Centre, Stoke Gifford on Thursday, August 17 from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.

Rail electrification - more noisy work ahead

Major electrification work will be taking place in our area from 19 August to 15 September, night and day. Some of the work will be noisy and deliveries to Network Rail compounds along the route (e.g. Shire Way access point) will be made by road, so nearby roads will experience an increase in traffic.

The work will be on the main line from Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, to Patchway/Filton junctions, via Old Sodbury, Chipping Sodbury and Yate to Westerleigh Junction.

In addition, from 2 September to 15 September 2017, the work area will extend to include Westerleigh Junction towards Yate station, Coalpit Heath, Winterbourne, Stoke Gifford and Bristol Parkway station, up to Patchway/Filton junctions.

Network Rail say "We are electrifying the line to bring passengers quieter, more frequent and more reliable services between London Paddington and Cardiff"

The work includes:

• Carrying out the piling required to install the foundations which will support the electrification equipment. That's the really noisy part. 
• Installing the equipment, including trackside masts and overhead wires at some locations. 
• Installing electrification equipment in Chipping Sodbury tunnel. 
• Improving flood resilience at Chipping Sodbury sidings. 
• Preparing Bristol Parkway station for the arrival of new InterCity Express trains, including the construction of a fourth platform. 

How can you find out more?

Network Rail are setting up a dedicated web page at www.networkrail.co.uk/westernupgrade - it contains more detailed information about the work they will be carrying out and will be updated regularly as the project progresses. It also has a useful introductory video.

Network Rail will also be running drop-in sessions, when members of the project team will be on hand to explain the work and answer your questions. The sessions nearest to us are:

• Thursday 29 June, Coalpit Heath Village Hall, 4.30pm to 7pm
• Tuesday 4 July, Ridgewood Community Centre, Yate, 4.30pm to 7pm
• Tuesday 11 July, The Old School Rooms, St Michael’s Centre, Stoke Gifford, 4.30pm to 7pm
• Wednesday 12 July, Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, 4.30pm to 7pm
• Tuesday 25 July, All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down, 4.30pm to 7pm

If you have any questions about the work, you can email Network Rail at crwest@networkrail.co.uk or call the 24-hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41. For updates, you can follow them on Twitter @networkrailwest

Reminder - Bromley Heath Viaduct Meeting tomorrow

We have previously reported on the major works being undertaken on the Bromley Heath Viaduct on the A4174 ring road, which could take up to a year and will have a massive impact on the road network in our area.

Previously the council was proposing to close a number of roads off Badminton Road in Coalpit Heath. Local residents were concerned about how this would affect their own daily lives and also the trade for local shops. I have spoken to the relevant highways officer, who has told me that they have listened to people's concerns and are not now proposing to close the roads.

You can find out the latest plans at a drop-in event at Frampton Cotterell C of E Primary School, Rectory Road BS36 2BT tomorrow (Tuesday 13 June) from 6pm to 8pm.

For the next 3 weeks the council will be installing temporary traffic lights at the junction of the B4465 Westerleigh Road and the A46 Bath Road. Works will be carried out between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

For more information please visit www.southglos.gov.uk/bhviaduct - if you cannot make the Frampton Cotterell drop-in event, you might like to attend one of the others planned around the area.