Next week, Network Rail will be carrying out structural repairs to several bridges in Somerset. Workers will also be carrying out track drainage work.
Between Monday and Friday, engineering workers will repair four bridges. Some require slight refurbishment, others more extensive renovation.
Network Rail started to prepare the sites for the work late last year. This began at the end of November for Middle Drove and early December for the River Brue bridge.
Workers will remove the track over the top of River Brue bridge, and will replace the bridge deck. They will repair steel and masonry, and will also carry out waterproofing and drainage work before relaying the track.
Engineers will repair masonry on the Middle Drove bridge. They will also fully replace the bridge span. This will involve using a crane to lift new sections into place.
At Uphill and Dunball Track, workers will replace the drainage system and install new pipes and inspection chambers.
In the Highbridge and Burnham area, engineers will carry out surveys and inspections.
![GWR HST at Taunton](https://www.railadvent.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/P1294825-750x530.jpg)
Alternative travel arrangements
Buses will replace trains between Taunton and Weston-super-Mare from Monday 3 to Friday 7 February.
Train services will operate between Taunton, south west England and London Paddington.
More to follow
Workers will continue working on the Middle Drove and River Brue bridges until 24 June.
More information about the work is available online.
Somerset passengers will benefit from additional train services, probably starting by the end of this year, after the Office for Rail and Road recently gave its approval.
“This work forms part of an ongoing programme of investment, helping to ensure we can continue to provide consistent and reliable services.
“It’s important that customers check before you travel.”
Adam Hopkins, GWR’s station manager for the Taunton area
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