Network Rail reopens Chipping Sodbury tunnel after major resilience upgrades

Direct passenger and freight trains between Bristol Parkway and Swindon have resumed following a four‑week upgrade of the Chipping Sodbury tunnel on Network Rail’s Great Western route. Engineers installed more than 3,000 yards of new rail, sleepers and ballast, cleared drainage channels, repaired the tunnel lining and strengthened the surrounding embankments with 2,000 steel soil nails driven up to six metres deep and protective netting. The work builds on a previous resilience programme that raised 200 m of track by up to 20 cm and replaced two of the four pumps serving the area. Michael Pinkerton, portfolio manager for the Great Western route, said the improvements will reduce the impact of extreme weather and make the line more dependable for passengers and freight operators.