Bridge repairs to cause train disruption in Somerset
Trains aren't running between Taunton and Weston-super-Mare this week (w/c 3rd February).
Passengers are being urged to check before they travel between Taunton and Weston-super-Mare this week (w/c 3rd February) as Network Rail carries out essential structural repairs to a number of bridges, as well as vital track drainage work.
From Monday (3rd February) to Friday (7th February), no trains will run between Taunton and Weston-super-Mare, with replacement buses in operation instead.
However, trains will still run between Taunton, the south west and London Paddington.
Some trains between Taunton and Bristol Temple Meads will use an alternative route, which will extend journey times by up to an hour.
It's so engineers can carry out essential repairs on four bridges in Somerset.
The River Brue bridge in Glastonbury requires the most work, with the track over the top be removed so that the bridge deck can be fully replaced.
The Middle Drove bridge in Bleadon will also see masonry repairs and a full replacement of the bridge span, with new sections lifted into place by crane.
Track drainage is being fully replaced at Uphill and Dunball with the installation of new pipes.
Scott Pillinger, Network Rail’s programme manager, said: "We have essential maintenance and repair work taking place on multiple bridges over this five-day period, ranging from strengthening works to full replacement.
“Alongside this there will be drainage and track work, all of which is vital to ensure the continued safe and reliable running of the railway.
“Working over a solid week is the most efficient way to get this work completed and minimise disruption overall and I'd like to thank passengers and residents for their patience while this work is carried out."
Adam Hopkins, GWR’s station manager for the Taunton area, said: “This work forms part of an ongoing programme of investment, helping to ensure we can continue to provide consistent and reliable services.
“GWR trains will still run between London Paddington and Taunton or Weston-super-Mare, while CrossCountry trains will run between Bristol Temple Meads and Taunton via a diversionary route.
“Rail replacement services will be provided for those stations between Taunton and Weston-super-Mare.
“As an alternative, rail tickets can also be used to travel on local buses calling at Weston-super-Mare, Highbridge & Burnham, Bridgwater or Taunton.
“It’s important that customers are aware these alternative travel arrangements will make journey times a little longer, so please do check before you travel.”
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