Work on a railway upgrade project in Swindon and Royal Wootton Bassett is now complete.

Network Rail carried out the scheme in the Wiltshire towns over the weekend of 10 – 11 June as part of its Railway Upgrade Plan.

Features included lowering the track and increasing the height of parapets on both bridges to provide a safe distance between those using the bridge and the high-voltage electricity cables.


The works were carried out to create space for the overhead line equipment necessary for electrification, with trains will running on electric through Swindon and Royal Wootton Bassett from December 2018.

Garry Fernand, Network Rail project manager, said: "The improvements carried out in Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan are extensive but essential in order to bring our railway into the 21st century and improve passengers' experience.

"We'd like to thank residents and motorists for their patience and understanding during this upgrade, which will pave the way for electrification and the benefits this will bring.

(LM/MH)