Network Rail has revealed the details of a multi-million-pound plan to rescue a railway line increasingly ravaged by climate change and extreme weather. 

The Newport-Gloucester line connects South Wales with the West Country, Midlands and north of England, providing a vital link for passengers and freight. 

Running alongside the Severn Estuary - exposed to rain, wind and sea - more frequent extreme weather has seen the line devastated by five major landslips in the last two years alone. 

This has led to extended closures of the railway and temporary speed restrictions, delaying more than 200,000 trains. 

As well as disrupting passengers, this also impacts essential freight services, with 43 freight trains passing through every week, moving; steel, petrol, and construction materials. 

The route also serves ‘Tesco trains’, keeping supermarkets stocked with essential supplies. 

Work is due to begin in summer 2022 and will include the removal of more than 30,000 tonnes of material from the cliff face. 

A mesh and bolt system will then be installed alongside three miles of track, stabilising the rockface and preventing landslips from affecting the track below. 

Network Rail is working closely with train and freight operators, carefully planning the work to minimise disruption for passengers, while delivering the project as safely and quickly as possible.