Gloucester Station Closure to Disrupt Rail Travel for Nine Days
Travellers planning journeys through Gloucester should prepare for significant disruption at the end of September and beginning of October. Network Rail will carry out an essential upgrade of the Gloucester signal box from Saturday 27 September to Sunday 5 October. Throughout this period, Gloucester station will be closed to trains, with replacement bus services running on affected routes to ensure regional connections are maintained.
As part of the works, more than 10,000 wires, covering around 12 miles, will be replaced. The signal box, which has been in operation since the late 1960s, needs upgrading to ensure it can continue to manage train movements safely and efficiently. Affected services include:
- Cheltenham Spa to Gloucester
- Gloucester to Lydney
- Connections to Bristol Parkway, Kemble, and Swindon
Weekend and weekday schedules will differ, with some weekday trains bypassing Gloucester, while weekend services will be fully suspended.
“I'd like to thank passengers in advance for their patience as we complete this vital work to modernise and upgrade Gloucester signal box; a key control centre to guide trains through a very busy area. Please make sure to check your journey before travelling as we carry out this work, with your train operator or via National Rail Enquiries."
Tourists and visitors will face challenges reaching popular attractions during the closure. Gloucester Docks, with its historic quays and waterfront trails, will be harder to access by train. Access to Robinswood Hill Country Park, known for its hiking trails and outdoor activities, will be slower while the rail works are in progress. Gloucester Cathedral Tower, famous for sweeping views of the city, will be harder to reach due to the need for replacement transport.
Travellers will also face disruption when visiting Gloucester Quays shopping and leisure area, Kingsholm Stadium, home to significant sporting events, and Highnam Court Gardens, known for its well-maintained grounds and seasonal blooms. Travellers planning visits to these sites should expect extended journey times and plan accordingly. Although buses will cover the affected routes, journeys are expected to take longer than usual train services.
Although the nine-day disruption will cause short-term inconvenience, the upgrade is expected to improve long-term reliability and safety for passengers. Modernising the signal box will enhance train operations through Gloucester and on routes connecting Bristol, Worcester, Swindon, and south Wales. Passengers are advised to check schedules with National Rail Enquiries or their train operator before travelling. Careful planning will help minimise disruption and ensure smoother journeys, ultimately providing safer and more dependable rail travel in the region.