A CrossCountry train and a new Hitachi inter-city express train at Bristol Parkway in April when a new longer platform was opened Picture: Network Rail

Bristol Parkway station is closed to passengers for three weeks as overhead wires are hung on the gantries which were installed earlier in the year.

Long-distance trains are being diverted via Patchway station in Bristol and substitute buses provided since Saturday 15 September 2018 in an attempt to keep passengers on the move until the station reopens on Sunday 7 October 2018.

Great Western Railway said the closure is essential for the electrification which will enable the full benefits of new Hitachi inter-city trains to be used.

The Bristol work is just part of a £2.8 billion programme to electrify the Great Western main line between London and south Wales.

David Buisson of Network Rail said: "The upgrade in the Bristol Parkway area is vital as we continue to deliver electrification and a more reliable railway for our passengers."

Bristol Parkway will be closed again on the weekend of 13-14 October and electrification work will mean disruption at various times and places.

More info: https://www.gwr.com/travel-updates/planned-engineering/bristol2018