08.06.20
Nine-day closure between Yeovil Junction & Gillingham
Network Rail is reminding passengers that a section of railway in the Templecombe area in Somerset will be closed this weekend for nine days to give NR chance to work on a cutting that suffered severe damage last winter.
Following heavy rain during ‘Storm Katie’ back in December 2019, a landslip occurred meaning NR had to impose temporary speed restrictions on trains passing through the area.
Therefore, from the 13th until the 21st of June, there will be no trains between Yeovil Junction and Gillingham in Dorset as engineers remove thousands of tonnes of earth left by a landslip.
The closure will allow Network Rail to build a retaining wall to further protect the line and to remove the speed restrictions to allow more reliable journeys for passengers as trains will be able to pass at normal speed safely.
In addition, the opportunity will be used to carry out general maintenance in the area and to refurbish some of the stations along the route.
The essential work will mean no South Western Railway (SWR) services between Yeovil Junction and Gillingham (Dorset). Trains between Exeter St David and Salisbury will be diverted via Westbury. There will be a shuttle train between Salisbury and Gillingham and bus replacement service between Gillingham and Templecombe.
Network Rail Wessex Route Director, Mark Killick, said: “I want to say sorry to passengers needing to travel during the works. Once complete, we will be able to remove two speed restrictions to provide improved journeys for passengers, as well as protecting the area from future landslips.
“I would urge people who need to travel by rail, such as those who can’t work from home, to plan ahead, wear a face covering and check before they travel.”
South Western Railway Customer Experience Director, Alan Penlington, said: “We recognise these works will be disruptive, but it is vital they go ahead. The work Network Rail will carry out will remove damaging speed restrictions from the line, allowing our trains to run at planned speed, helping improve our performance.
“Alternative arrangements are in place, so we advise customers to check their journey before they travel.”
Full details of the closure can be found on the SWR website.
Image: Network Rail