COMMUTERS endured mixed experiences on the first day of travelling into work with the Severn Tunnel closed for electrification.

The 130-year-old tunnel between Caldicot and Pilning, north of Bristol, will be closed for six weeks while 200 engineers from Network Rail take on the eight-mile tunnel.

While several commuters had to suffer earlier alarms, others opted to use the replacement bus service on offer from Newport to Bristol Parkway or their own transport.

Danny Rose, who lives in Caldicot, works as a motorcycle technician just outside Temple Meads and admitted that the closure has 'put a spanner in the works'.

Mr Rose, who is now forced to catch an 'extra early' train, said: "As I work five minutes from Temple Meads it's the most efficient and cost effective way to commute for me."

Suzanne Thomas, also of Caldicot, said that the closures have also added an extra hour onto her journey each way.

Mrs Thomas, who has already paid for a yearly season ticket, has to get a bus at 6.10am to ensure that she gets into work on time.

Concerns have also been raised by residents living near the station, including Sophie Wangemann who lives at The Pill on the outskirts of Caldicot.

The estate requires driving over a level crossing in the Old Pill Farm Industrial Estate in Portskewett and Miss Wangemann fears that an increase in traffic could restrict access to her home.

Figures provided by the Severn Tunnel Action Group (STAG) reveal that over the past ten years the use of trains has more than doubled in south east Monmouthshire.

In the past year alone, interchange at the Severn Tunnel Junction has increased by over 25 per cent.

According to passenger research conducted in May, users of the station come from a wide geographic area, with forty per cent of travellers residing outside the Magor, Undy, Rogiet and Caldicot area.

Despite the mixed reception, David Flint, a spokesman for STAG, paid tribute to the co-operation provided by Great Western Railway, Cross Country Trains, Network Rail and Monmouthshire County Council.

He said: “Life is never perfect. We would have preferred for the replacement buses to have gone to Temple Meads, but are pleased that they have listened to other requests such as the morning pick-up from Chepstow.

“We are also grateful to Cross Country trains for the additional services they will be providing, and that will benefit Cardiff and Newport travellers."