The BBC are claiming that the main line to London from Bristol is being upgraded at a cost of ú750m, not sure if this is a rehash of another story, or if it is a genuine upgrade of part of the line.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wilt ... 010194.stm
Does anyone know if this is another example of spin, or is there any substance behind this news.
Upgraded capacity -spin or substance?
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TheLastMinute
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Spin I suspect. The figure of ú750 million probably includes all maintenance on the GW Mainline for the next 3 years. The question is of course how much of this money is over and above what would be spent anyway!
"We're spending ú750 million" make a far better headline than "No trains between Swindon and Bristol for 1 ¢ weeks this summer."
Summary of changes from FGW Website:
"We're spending ú750 million" make a far better headline than "No trains between Swindon and Bristol for 1 ¢ weeks this summer."
Summary of changes from FGW Website:
MikeLine closure between Swindon, Bristol Parkway and Chippenham- 26 August - 4 September
From 0115 Saturday 26 August 2006 until 0530 Monday 4 September 2006 major engineering work is being undertaking by Network Rail.
All lines will be closed between Swindon West and Westerleigh Junction (near Bristol Parkway) / Chippenham Station East.
Travel alterations will apply and customers are advised to consider their travel plans during this time.
A summary of changes can be found below:
London/South Wales services
An hourly service in both directions diverted via Gloucester to Swindon not calling at Bristol Parkway but some calling additionally at Stonehouse, Stroud and Kemble. A bus link will run between Bristol Parkway and Swindon for train connections to and from London Paddington. A bus service will also run between Bristol Parkway and Filton Abbey Wood for connections to and from South Wales. There will be a limited peak-time direct train service between Bristol Parkway and London Paddington diverted on an alternative route.
London/Bristol services
These services will be diverted from Bath Spa direct to Reading and will not call at Chippenham or Swindon. A train shuttle service will run between Bristol Temple Meads and Chippenham calling at Bath Spa with a bus link between Chippenham and Swindon to connect into train services to London Paddington. A limited peak-time train service will run between Chippenham and London Paddington which will operate on an alternative route direct to Reading.
London/Cheltenham Spa services
These services will be re-timed to incorporate the diverted South Wales services.
Swindon/Didcot Parkway
These stations will be served by the regular Swindon to London Paddington train service and by diverted South Wales services. Road transport will operate between Swindon and Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge and Westbury.
The timetabled alterations will be available from stations in a Special Timetable Phamplet and on this website nearer the time.
More information will be posted as soon as it becomes available.