Swindon-Kemble line upgrade complete

The £45m project to upgrade the line between Swindon and Kemble was successfully completed over the August bank holiday weekend, paving the way for greater capacity, reduced journey times and a better experience for passengers.

The infrastructure upgrade along the route included:

• Reinstating the second line between Swindon and Kemble
• Improvements to earthworks to accommodate the new track
• Installing new signalling equipment which will safely control the movement of trains

The new infrastructure provides increased capacity, which will be crucial to meet future passenger demand and will reduce delays for a more reliable service. These improvements are also essential so that trains from south Wales can be diverted along this route when Bristol Parkway station and the Severn Tunnel are closed for electrification work.

Other improvements incorporated as part of the upgrade include:

• Installing additional signals between Kemble and Standish Junction
• Level crossing upgrades at Minety and Purton Collins Lane
• A new footbridge in Stroud