Rail passengers across the Bristol area are being encouraged to check before they travel this Christmas - and book their tickets in advance.
With Covid-19 restrictions eased between December 23 and 27 services are expected to be busier than usual, so booking ahead will allow train companies and Network Rail to better prepare services and stations.
While most of the network is running as usual over the Christmas and New Year period, essential engineering work is taking place in the Bristol area.
Just north of Bristol Temple Meads, track work and a new signal gantry is being installed as part of a major track remodelling scheme which will help increase the number of trains that can run in the area and reduce congestion.
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Meanwhile at the station itself, scaffolding is being erected from December 28 ahead of the £40m refurbishment of the station roof.
The work means buses will replace train services from Bristol Temple Meads to Bristol Parkway, Bath Spa and Severn Beach on Sunday 27 December.
Timetables will also be amended in the Bristol area from December 28 until January 11 as platforms 3-6 at Bristol Temple Meads will be out of use.
As part of the industry’s safer travel pledge, rail companies are taking steps so that passengers using the network can travel with confidence, including cleaning more frequently and using powerful, long lasting, anti-viral product.
Passengers should also wash their hands regularly and wear a face covering, unless exempt.
The Government has outlined a series of measures focused on minimising disruption and helping people travel safely over the Christmas period, while urging passengers to plan their journeys carefully, consider quieter routes and where possible book ahead.
In a bid to limit disruption to passengers, rail services have been enhanced, rail engineering works postponed and accelerated and ticket charges cut.
Network Rail’s Western Route Director Mike Gallop said: “This work is vital in our continuing transformation of the railway in and around Bristol.
“It will enable more trains to run in the future while reducing delays.
“We are also investing a huge amount in improving Bristol Temple Meads as the prep work ahead of the roof refurbishment really gets underway.
“There is never a good time to disrupt services, but the work is planned for the festive period as it is a time when fewer people travel.
“We thank passengers in advance for their patience and urge them to check before they travel.”
GWR Bristol Temple Meads Station Manager, Alex Hills, said: “We have been working hard to make sure that people can be confident to travel safely, and that includes running as many trains and carriages as we can to make extra room, as well as enhanced cleaning and social distancing measures.
“Please do, however, plan ahead, reserve a seat and be considerate of others.”
Passengers heading to south Wales are also urged to check before they travel as track work is taking place near Cardiff between December 30 and January 3.
Passengers can find out how their Christmas journeys will be affected with their train operator, via National Rail Enquiries, or by following #ChristmasRailWorks on Twitter.
