Starting this weekend, Network Rail will begin work on nine railway upgrades in Somerset which will take place at the same time to reduce disruption for passengers.

Engineers will be working 24/7 to repair and replace railway bridges, improve tunnel drainage and reinforce railway embankments, between Taunton and Castle Cary in Somerset, between Saturday 14 March to Sunday 29 March 2020.

The work means buses will replace trains between Castle Cary and Taunton.

By doing all nine projects at the same time, it reduces disruption for passengers as it would take several months’ worth of closures if the upgrades were carried out separately.

The planned upgrades between Taunton and Castle Cary will also affect the following services between 14 and 29 March:

• Train services between London Paddington and the South West will be diverted via an alternative route, extending journey times by 30 to 35 minutes
• Trains between Reading, Newbury and Bedwyn will still run but to an amended timetable
• Train services will also run between London Paddington and Castle Cary every two hours with connecting coaches between Castle Cary and Taunton
• From Monday 30 March to Friday 3 April some trains services will be able to resume operating between Castle Cary and Taunton. However, most long-distance services will continue to be diverted until Saturday 4 April.

What did the officials say?

Scott Pillinger, programme manager for Network Rail, said:

“We have tried to carry out as many projects at the same time to reduce disruption for passengers.

“This work is vital in providing a safe, resilient and reliable railway and it is great we can do this in just two weeks compared to the several months’ worth of time it would take if the upgrades were done separately.

“However, we do appreciate this will still cause disruption for some passengers and we thank them in advance for their patience.”

Adam Barber, Project Manager for Great Western Railway, said:

“This project will deliver important improvements for the railway, which means more reliable services and a more resilient infrastructure.

“We appreciate customers patience while this essential work is being carried out.”

Where Next?

RailAdvent Plus
   Get image downloads, Prints and Streaming Video
News Homepage
   For the Latest Railway News
RailAdvent Online Shop
   Framed Prints, DVD’s/Blu-Ray’s and more
LocoStop Community
   Come and share your railway pictures
Mainline Steam Info
   Upcoming mainline steam tours/loco movements
Network Rail
   Visit their website