21.05.18
NR starts £9.5m flood defence scheme
Network Rail has commenced work on a £9.5m flood defence scheme in the south west.
The scheme, which will protect the railway line between Exeter and Salisbury, will see two 550 tonne underground bridge structures installed beneath the railway line at Axe Valley.
These structures are expected to reduce the likelihood of flooding from a one in five year risk to a one in 20 year risk, based on Network Rail’s flood risk modelling.
In recent years, the line between Axminster and Crewkerne has been prone to flooding, causing significant delays and disruption to passengers.
Rebecca Wells, project manager for Network Rail, explained: “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.”
The project will take seven months, with work due to be completed in December this year.
Top image: Network Rail
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