§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the suspension of train services due to tunnel and track repairs on the Cheltenham to Swindon line. [139351]
§ Mr. HillRailtrack is undertaking a major engineering project following flood damage to the 155 year-old Sapperton Tunnel, between Swindon and Gloucester. The cap of a former construction shaft in the floor of the tunnel collapsed due to the amount of stormwater flowing through the tunnel drainage system.
The track over the shaft will be removed before foundations, bearings and new concrete slabs can be installed over the shafthead. Works will also be carried out to four similar shafts to ensure future storms do not cause another collapse.
Railtrack expects normal passenger services to resume in about four weeks when the works should be completed.