RAIL passengers travelling to and from Lydney are being urged to plan ahead this weekend as engineering work will see trains replaced by buses between Cheltenham Spa and Lydney throughout Sunday, August 9.

Network Rail will carry out essential track maintenance from 11pm on Saturday August 8 until 6am on Monday August 10, with engineers working around the clock to complete improvements designed to keep the railway safe and reliable for passengers and freight services.

Although the work is taking place north of the town, anyone using Lydney station to travel towards Gloucester, Cheltenham and beyond will need to use replacement buses for part of their journey. Rail services between Lydney and Cardiff will continue to operate as normal throughout the day.

Passengers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and check before travelling through National Rail or with their train operator because replacement buses may take longer than scheduled rail services.

A spokesperson for Network Rail's Great Western route said: "We're carrying out this essential maintenance work to help keep the railway safe and reliable for passengers and freight services.

"While there is never a good time to close the railway, undertaking this work over a weekend allows us to complete important work whilst minimising disruption.

"We'd like to thank passengers and local residents in advance for their patience and encourage anyone planning to travel on this route by rail on Sunday to check their journey before setting off."

The engineering work will also require the temporary closure of Horton Road level crossing in Gloucester for the duration of the maintenance. A signed diversion for vehicles will operate via Barnwood Road, Eastern Avenue, Barton Street and Derby Road.

Pedestrians will be diverted through Gloucester station underpass or by using London Road and Bruton Way while the crossing remains closed.

Network Rail said carrying out the work during one weekend helps reduce future disruption by allowing engineers to complete maintenance efficiently. Passengers making onward connections from Lydney are encouraged to confirm travel arrangements before leaving home and leave additional time to complete their journeys safely.

The replacement bus service is expected to connect with train services where possible, but journey times may differ from the usual timetable. Anyone travelling for work, holidays, hospital appointments or family visits should check the latest information before setting out.

Network Rail said carrying out maintenance during a concentrated possession allows specialist teams to inspect, repair and maintain the track more effectively than carrying out smaller pieces of work over several weekends.

The programme forms part of ongoing investment across the rail network to improve reliability and reduce the likelihood of future faults.

Passengers should remember that replacement buses cannot carry the same number of bicycles as trains and accessibility arrangements may vary, so anyone requiring additional assistance should contact their train operator before travelling.

Advance planning will help reduce delays and ensure journeys begin as smoothly as possible despite the temporary engineering work affecting the route through Lydney this weekend overall together.