Network Rail engineers are being trained to efficiently complete the rail electrification of the Severn Tunnel at an advanced training facility in Wales.

The 130-year old tunnel, which links South Gloucestershire to Monmouthshire in south Wales, will be closed for six weeks from 12th September while around 200 engineers install over eight miles of conductor rail, even though the actual tunnel is only four miles long.

The training facility in Cardiff boasts a life size mock-up of the overhead line equipment that will be used to power the new electric trains through the tunnel.

It will enable engineers to build, dismantle and maintain the overhead power lines and includes specialist equipment unique to the Severn Tunnel electrification project.

Dan Tipper, area director at Network Rail Wales, said the training facility allows the engineers to train in a safe environment, gain new qualifications and fully prepare them for the unique work they will be undertaking this autumn.

Electrifying the Severn line is expected to provide faster, greener and quieter services for the growing number of passengers that use the railway, added Mr Tipper.