Cotswold railway line to be closed over Easter weekend

From Friday, April 15 to Monday April 18, buses will replace trains between Moreton-in-Marsh and Worcester Foregate Street. They will be timed to connect with trains which will continue to run between London Paddington and Moreton-in-Marsh.

Where buses replace trains, journeys will be extended by about 60 minutes. An alternative route into London through Cheltenham Spa and Swindon will remain open. Tickets valid via Evesham (except Advance tickets) will be accepted on this route.

GWR station manager for the North Cotswolds, Billy White, said: “This work is important to ensure we can continue to provide services on what is a vital rail link for the Cotswolds area and we thank customers for their patience in advance.

“We have been working hard to make sure that people can be confident to travel safely, and that includes running as many trains and carriages as we can to make extra room, and replacement buses where trains cannot operate.”

Trains will to run as timetabled elsewhere across the rest of the GWR network as timetabled.

The industry’s Book with Confidence scheme has been extended until the end of September so customers can change their travel plans up to the evening before departure without being charged a fee, or if they choose not to travel, are able to receive a refund on their unused ticket.

Stuart Stevens, project manager for Network Rail, said: “These important track improvements will mean that passengers and freight users will continue to experience safe and reliable journeys in the future, as we work to ensure the longevity of the line.

“I’d like to thank passengers in advance for their patience; please do check before you travel, as buses will replace trains while this work is carried out.”

For further travel advice and information on the work, visit GWR.com/NorthCotswolds.

For details of upcoming engineering work, visit gwr.com/travel-information/travel-updates/planned-engineering.