Hourly train services between London Waterloo and Exeter St Davids have resumed today, Saturday 29 November.
South Western Railway and Network Rail have restored the full West of England timetable, after speed restrictions between Gillingham in Dorset and Axminster in Devon were removed earlier this week.
The driest spring and hottest summer ever recorded in the UK had dried out clay embankments between Salisbury and Exeter and disturbed track levels, a condition known as ‘soil moisture deficit’.
As the ground below the tracks continued to move, engineers could not complete repairs and speed restrictions were introduced for the safety of passing trains.
Cooler temperatures and autumn rain have since rehydrated and stabilised the embankments, and engineers have now completed extensive tamping work to restore track levels. With track levels back to normal the speed restrictions have been removed, and the normal timetable has been restored.
South Western Railway and Network Rail would like to thank customers for their patience during the recent amended timetable. Journey planners are fully up to date and customers can plan ahead at the South Western Railway website here.
Image credit: SWR