RAIL travellers may face disruption over the next week, as major improvement works are set to start in Newport tomorrow.

Network Rail will upgrade signalling equipment between East Usk and Marshfield from tomorrow until May 18.

The work is part of the company’s £400million resignalling scheme which aims to boost rail service performance and improve capacity across South Wales.

The upgrade is expected to improve rail services for passengers travelling into and out of Newport via Cardiff, Hereford and Bristol.

Mark Langman, Network Rail route director, said: “The signalling equipment in the Newport area is around 30 years old and is limiting growth on the railway in the area.

“This is an essential improvement that will also contribute to our ongoing effort to build a world-class railway in Wales.”

He added that while the new signalling equipment is tested there will be some temporary changes to services travelling into and out of Newport.

Network Rail is working with First Great Western and Arriva Trains Wales in a bid to minimise any disruption caused by the works.

Mr Langman said two of the four lines out of Newport will be will be operating during the improvement works.

The majority of rail services will continue to operate with a revised timetable, except on May 15 when there will be no rail services.

Rail replacement buses will run into and out of Newport from Cardiff, Bristol and Hereford on that day.

Coaches will also replace rail services on the morning of May 8, late evening on May 14 and between Newport and Hereford all day on May 14.

Information on the revised timetable is available from National Rail Enquiries and train operators.