Network Rail will complete essential engineering work over seven days in Somerset next week, affecting passengers travelling through the Castle Cary area.
Over the course of one week, between Monday 8 and Sunday 14 December, track drainage is being replaced next to Somerton Tunnel to help alleviate the risk of flooding on the line between Castle Cary and Taunton.
Up to 25 people will be working on the line at any one time, installing a new drainage run covering nearly 600 metres of the line. Two engineering trains will be delivering nearly 1,400 tonnes of fresh ballast (track stone) and 800 tonnes of shingle.
Alongside the work, other teams will also be taking advantage of the closure of the line to inspect and test vital signalling components along the track, fine-tuning points and clearing vegetation around junctions and track drainage system to support ongoing inspections and maintenance.
Jason Pankhurst, Senior Programme Manager for Network Rail said:
“The work we will be carrying out over the seven days involves the installation of a completely new drainage run that will take rain water away from the tracks. This is vital to improve the resilience of the railway in this area and to reduce the risk of flooding.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused to passengers during this time and appreciate their patience as we work to ensure a safe and reliable railway for years to come.”
Travel arrangements
Network Rail’s essential drainage work will impact train services from Monday 8 to Sunday 14 December:
- Trains between London Paddington and Plymouth or Penzance will use an alternative route – extending journey times by at least 15 minutes.
- Some trains will continue to operate between London Paddington and Westbury or Castle Cary from Monday to Friday only.
- Trains via Castle Cary for Bristol Temple Meads or Weymouth are unaffected on all dates.
- Replacement road transport will run between Castle Cary and Taunton on all dates.
- Road transport will also run between Pewsey and Swindon on weekends.
Jordan Welsby, the GWR station manager responsible for Castle Cary, said: “This investment forms part of a wider rail improvement programme to ensure the continued reliability of an important part of the railway.
“A limited number of trains will still operate at Castle Cary for London Paddington as well as trains towards Bristol, Yeovil or Weymouth.
“Buses will replace trains between Castle Cary and Taunton stations, with buses connecting Pewsey and Swindon at the weekend.
“It’s important customers are aware these alternative travel arrangements may make their journey times longer, so please plan ahead.”
Passengers travelling through the area on these dates are reminded to allow extra time for their journey and check before they travel at nationalrail.co.uk or GWR.com/upgrade.
Image credit: Network Rail
