SLEEPLESS nights could be coming down the line for residents in Churchward and West Swindon this week as the electrification project continues to trundle its way west.

Network Rail has written to residents living alongside the railway advising them that they will be carrying out overnight engineering works between the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet and Royal Wootton Bassett starting from tonight.

Advising residents of the work, a spokesman for Network Rail warned residents that there would be increased activity around the railway in this area while the work was completed, which may lead to more noise, but advised that all contractors had been urged to work considerately.

He said: "We will be installing stanchions every 40 to 60m to support the overhead line equipment (OLE). We will install these steel foundations by vibratory and percussive piling methods and build concrete foundations by auguring and pouring concrete.

"There will be deliveries and plant movements along with illumination of site for night time working. Coupled with these we are also installing steel booms, masts ad struts, small steel parts, and wiring on top of the installed foundations.

"Foundation installation by nature is a noisy activity, however, it depends on distance from piling location. We also make every effort to minimise any unnecessary or avoidable noise.

"Other noises associated with OLE works include train horns and reversing white noise. The trains have to blow the horn as a warning to the operatives of their approach which is a mandatory health and safety requirement."

Work will begin this evening and is scheduled to run until Thursday night. But the Network rail spokesman said it was worth noting that engineers may not be working every single night.

"We update our website regularly in order to provide the specific locations where w are conducting piling activities," he said.

"Mid-week night shifts will be undertaken from 9.30pm to 5.30am Monday to Friday. Please note that this work is of a transient nature and will be undertaken over a stretch of track so we will not be repeatedly working in the same location.

"We recognise construction work on the railway can be disruptive to those living or working nearby.The nature of our work often means some disturbance is unavoidable. Please be assured that every effort is made to minimise any unnecessary noise and we have reminded staff and contractors to be considerate of the environment they are working in."

Anyone with any concerns should contact the 24 hour helpline on 03457 114141 or visit http://bit.ly/2mfuZbo