Network Rail has announced that work to install a £9.5 million flood defence to protect the railway line between Exeter and Salisbury began this morning.

Two 550-tonne underground bridge structures made of culvert sections will be installed underneath the railway line at Axe Valley on sites at Axe Farm and Broom Lane.

The installation of the structures will reduce the likelihood of flooding from one in 5 years to a one in twenty-year risk.

The line between Axminster and Crewkerne has been prone to flooding in recent years, and has caused delays and disruption to passengers.

More than 100 members of Network Rail‘s engineering tram will be working on the project over the next seven months, and the work is expected to be completed in December 2018.

What did the officials say?

Rebecca Wells, project manager for Network Rail, said:

“Flooding can be devastating for local communities and it’s crucial we do all we can to protect the railway and keep the train service moving.

“This £9.5 million investment, part of our Railway Upgrade Plan, will significantly reduce the risk of the line flooding in the Axe Valley, benefiting passengers and the local community for many years to come.”

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