Severn Estuary Rail Closure to Disrupt Summer Travel to Key Outdoor Spots
A complete rail closure between Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction is scheduled from 00:40 on Sunday 27 July to 08:40 on Sunday 17 August 2025. The suspension of train services will allow for critical engineering works to be carried out along the Severn Estuary. These works are part of the Severn Estuary Resilience Programme which aims to protect rail infrastructure in an area vulnerable to landslides and extreme weather conditions.
During the closure period no trains will operate between Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction. To maintain connectivity, replacement bus services will be introduced with the following arrangements:
- Buses will serve Gloucester, Lydney, Chepstow and Severn Tunnel Junction
- Services will be operated by CrossCountry and Transport for Wales
- Journey times may be longer, with possible changes to connections
- Online planners will be updated ahead of the closure
- Staff will be present at stations to assist passengers
We have chosen this time of year so that it minimises the number of passengers and freight hauliers impacted by this essential work, while keeping our teams undertaking the work safe.This latest stage continues our commitment to improve the long-term safety and reliability in an area historically prone to landslips.
This rail closure coincides with the peak summer travel season and is expected to create difficulties in reaching several popular outdoor locations. Access to Tintern Abbey Wood, famous for its beautiful walking routes by the River Wye, will be limited due to the suspension of train services to Chepstow. Visitors planning to explore the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail can also anticipate challenges as direct transport connections are affected.
Several other natural landmarks may see fewer visitors as a result of the extended line closure. Puzzlewood, a historic forest near Coleford famous for its unique rock formations, will also become harder to reach due to more complicated travel plans. Walkers planning sections of the Wye Valley Walk near Monmouth will need to factor in additional travel time or seek alternative routes. Visitors should prepare accordingly.
Despite the temporary inconvenience the improvements are intended to make this vital stretch of railway more resilient in the long term. For travellers the closure serves as a reminder of the need to check transport updates in advance and plan routes carefully. When the upgrades are complete, the rail service in the area should become more reliable for all types of travel.