Work needs to be done on the historic Dinmore Tunnel as Network Rail, along with principal contactors, Colas Rail, carry out essential track renewals.

Network Rail and Colas Rail will access the railway from Wellington Level Crossing and replace the ballast (supporting stones) and track.

Trains between Hereford and Shrewsbury will be replaced by buses during a nine-day closure on Marches Line between Tuesday September 12 to Thursday September 21.

The new track will boost reliability of journeys on the Marches line – an important rail link that connects South Wales to the Midlands and beyond. 

Clarisse Grother, Senior Programme Manager at Network Rail Wales & Borders, said: “We understand that there is never a good time to close the railway or roads but this essential work, in Dinmore Tunnel, will improve reliability on the Marches Line, ensuring this important and well-travelled link between South Wales, the Midlands, North of England and beyond is secure for the future.

“We will be working around the clock to get the work completed as quickly and safely as possible, and I would like to apologise to passengers and the local community for any disruption this may cause.”

A bus service will be in operation by Transport for Wales, replacing services from Hereford to Shrewsbury while the railway is shut, followed by a reduced rail service from Cardiff to Shrewsbury from Friday 22 September to Friday 29 September.