Rail services through Somerset have returned to normal following a significant Easter bank holiday engineering programme delivered by Network Rail at East Somerset Junction, located between Westbury and Taunton.
Engineers began work on Good Friday and worked continuously throughout the Easter weekend, completing the programme several hours ahead of schedule to allow passenger services to resume as planned on Monday morning.
1960s Infrastructure Replaced to Improve Reliability
The work focused on renewing life‑expired infrastructure, much of which dated back to the 1960s. In total, the project delivered:
- 1.4km of new rail
- 1,080 new sleepers
- 3,300 tonnes of fresh ballast
This major renewal is expected to significantly improve ride quality, reduce maintenance intervention, and enhance long‑term reliability on a key section of the route linking the South West with the wider network.
Wider Maintenance Delivered During Closure
Taking advantage of the planned line closure, Network Rail also deployed additional teams across the surrounding area to undertake a range of complementary works. These included:
- Track and signalling maintenance
- Infrastructure inspections
- Vegetation management
This coordinated approach maximised value from the possession while minimising future disruption to passengers and freight operators.
Passenger Impact and Replacement Services
During the works, rail replacement bus services operated on the following routes:
- Westbury to Frome or Castle Cary
- Taunton to Castle Cary
- Swindon to Pewsey
Network Rail worked closely with Great Western Railway (GWR) to maintain connectivity and provide travel alternatives throughout the Easter period.
Planned Follow‑Up Works: April Service Changes
Further planned follow‑up work will take place over the next two weekends, with limited service alterations on the dates below:
Sunday 12 April (until 3pm)
- GWR services will operate between Weymouth and Castle Cary until 10:00, then between Weymouth and Frome until 15:00
- Trains will operate between Bristol Temple Meads and Westbury
- Through services to Weymouth will resume after 15:00
Sunday 19 April
- GWR services will operate between Weymouth and Frome
- Services will also run between Bristol Temple Meads and Westbury throughout the day
Network Rail Comment
Network Rail lead portfolio manager Mark Parker said:
“I'd like to thank passengers for their patience over the long weekend as we completed another essential upgrade over the Easter weekend, replacing track dating back to the 1960s with modern components that will help ensure continued safe and reliable train journeys for years to come.
"If you're travelling over the next two Sundays, please make sure to check before you travel as some journeys will be affected by our planned follow-up work."
Passengers are advised to check before travelling on affected dates and allow extra time where necessary.
Image credits: Network Rail
