RAIL passengers are once again been warned to prepare for disruption next bank holiday weekend as the signals in the Bristol area are improved.

Network Rail will be carrying out work in the Filton area, meaning the track between Swindon and Bristol Parkway will once again be closed.

The organisation say this work is essential to prepare for the electrification of the Great Western Line in the area.

Across the three days, the famous ‘orange army’ will be hard at work to make sure the line can re-open again on the Tuesday morning when everyone goes back to work.

Andy Haynes, Network Rail’s project director for the west of England, said: “This project forms part of our programme to re-signal the whole of the Great Western route, providing passengers with greater reliability, fewer delays and smoother journeys.

“Our work to increase reliability and capacity on the network, together with the ability of the new electric trains to reduce journey times and accommodate more passengers, will also help to drive economic growth across South Wales, the west and south west, and the Thames Valley.”

The technology which is currently in place was first installed around 50 years ago so is in need of an upgrade.

It will mean when the new fleet of trains comes into service, they will be able to operate far more efficiently.

“Replacing and upgrading 40-year-old signalling equipment is complex and for safety reasons must be carried out when trains aren’t running,” said Andy.

“While we have tried to minimise disruption as much as possible by carrying out the work over a bank holiday, when fewer people use the railway.

“I would like to thank passengers in advance for their patience and understanding while we complete this essential upgrade that will lead to the improvements we know they want to see.”

The changes to the work mean there will be reduced services from Swindon to the Cheltenham area while a normal bank holiday route will run of services to London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads.

The final stage of the re-signalling project is due to take place over the August bank holiday, when control of the system in this area will move to the state-of-the-art Thames Valley signalling centre in Didcot.