MOTORISTS are being warned traffic will be stopped more often at level crossings in Severnside over the next few weeks because the Severn Tunnel will be closed.

Freight and passenger trains that use the tunnel will be diverted through Caldicot, Chepstow and Lydney while work is carried out on the 130-year-old tunnel as part of the project to electrify the main south Wales to London railway.

The tunnel will closed between Monday (September 12) and Friday, October 21 with trains heading to the south west and south coast being replaced by buses between Severn Tunnel Junction and Bristol.

Despite having to put up with much inconvenience such as the tunnel closure, people in this area will not see any direct benefit as the line between Severn Tunnel and Gloucester is not being electrified.

There is some good news for rail users heading to Bristol from Lydney — they will be able to avoid the dreaded replacement bus service while the tunnel works go ahead.

Travellers from Lydney, Chepstow and Caldicot heading to Bristol and the South West usually go via Severn Tunnel Junction but a bus replacement service will operate while the tunnel is out of action. Passengers will be able to travel by train via Gloucester at the usual cost of going via Severn Tunnel.

Network Rail is urging people to be more vigilant when using level crossings such as the one near Lydney station.

Andrew Bound, route level crossing manager for Network Rail Wales said: “It is extremely important that signals and signs at level crossings are obeyed at all times and we are urging the public to be extra vigilant along the diversion route during this six week closure.

“The increase in rail traffic on the diversion route will mean attention to the warnings at level crossings, avoiding distractions and staying safe when crossing the railway will be even more important particularly with many school children using the crossings to get to and from school every day.”

“Motorists will also need to allow extra time for their journeys as level crossing barriers will be down more frequently along the diversion line and people living close to the railway will notice an increase in rail traffic during the six-week closure.”

Dan Tipper, area director for Network Rail Wales, said: “This iconic project will result in short-term disruption for passengers and we would like to thank everyone for their understanding and patience while we complete this essential upgrade.

“There are signifi-

cant long-term benefits which will come as a result of electrifying the railway to Cardiff by 2019 including faster, greener, more frequent and reliable journeys for passengers.

“Without a solid six-week closure, it would take engineers up to five years to complete the upgrade, causing long-term disruption for passengers and delaying electrification of the railway until 2021.”