RESIDENTS and passengers have been invited to attend a drop-in session next week detailing a year-long programme of works on the railway line through Swindon.

Network Rail will be carrying out "essential work" in and around Swindon station between November 2016 and October 2017 to make way for the new fleet of faster, greener electric trains on the Great Western main line, which will provide more seats and more room for passengers.

Network Rail has said in order to keep disruption to train services to a minimum, most of the work will take place overnight and over weekends.

Work will also be carried out around the clock during a 52-hour closure of the railway over the Christmas period.

Ahead of the work they will be staging a consultation event on Thursday, October 6 from 5pm to 8pm in the Lecture Hall at UTC Swindon on Bristol Street.

Members of the Network Rail project team will be on-hand throughout the event to explain more about the work taking place and to answer any questions.

David Brown, Network Rail’s project manager for Swindon station, said: “I’d like to thank the local community in advance for their patience and understanding while we carry out these essential improvements to modernise Brunel’s railway.

“The work at Swindon station is an essential part of our Railway Upgrade Plan and will pave the way for electric trains and the benefits these will bring to residents and passengers. These benefits include faster trains with more seats and more legroom, and less noise and air pollution for those who live close to the railway line.

“Everyone is welcome at our drop-in event and I’d urge anyone who has a question or wants to know more about our plans to come along.”

  • Passengers travelling by rail this weekend are being urged to double check departure times due to engineering work.

On Sunday services between Swindon and Bristol Parkway are to be amended while works are carried out on the line. Great Western Railway has reminded passengers to check the times of departures by visiting www.gwr.com