West of England improvement works update – vital passenger upgrades are progressing well

The work to deliver vital improvements for passengers across Somerset and Dorset has successfully passed the half-way point as Network Rail engineers continue to work around the clock to repair and upgrade the railway following last year’s landslip.

Work is progressing well on the project around the Templecombe area in Somerset and at Sherborne and Gillingham in Dorset, with the aim of improving train performance once the work is complete.

Passengers who need to travel between Yeovil Junction and Gillingham until 21 June must wear a face covering and check details of the closure on the SWR website  Trains are due to resume on Monday 22 June.

At the mid-point of the project, engineers have:

• Inserted into the slope at Templecombe a number of four metre steel nails reinforced by cement to stop any further movement
• Built a 40 metre gabion wall at the bottom of the cutting – which is made of buckets of stone – adding further protection
• Replaced 400 metres of track in the Gillingham area to stabilise the land that sits below the track
• Replaced part of the roof at Sherborne stations as well as improving the appearance of both Sherborne and Templecombe stations by removing vegetation, replacing fencing and repainting the buildings

Mark Killick, route director at Network Rail Wessex said: “We are at the midpoint of the project and I would like to thank those who needed to travel for their patience while we carry out these works. The team have worked tirelessly to deliver a more reliable railway now and for generations to come.

“If you must travel this week, please wear a face covering and continue to check the latest travel advice.”

Photo credit: Network Rail

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