Rail journeys to be quicker in Somerset and Dorset thanks to bridge renewal in Yetminster

Network Rail has announced that it will be carrying out upgrades between Castle Cary and Weymouth over a number of weekends this spring to provide passengers with a more reliable railway.

Between January and April, Network Rail engineers will strengthen tunnels, bridges and refurbish and renew track on the Heart of Wessex line.

The main area of work is at Yetminster in Dorset where a 129-year-old bridge which crosses the River Wriggle will be renewed.

This work requires the closure of the line for six days between Yeovil Pen Mill and Weymouth from Saturday 15 February to Friday 21 February when buses will replace trains.

Replacement transport will run between Weymouth and Yeovil Pen Mill to connect with Great Western Railway (GWR) train services towards Bristol Temple Meads.

What did the officials say?

Mark Killick, Network Rail Wessex route director, said:

“There is never a good time to close an important line for the area's communities, and we are sorry for the inconvenience the closures will cause.

“This significant piece of work to the bridge will be much easier to maintain and together with a reinforced tunnel and new and refurbished track, there will be a much more reliable railway and better journeys for our passengers.”

James Wilcox, GWR's Station Manager for Castle Cary, said:

“This package of works will improve reliability on the route for years to come, and once complete and the speed restriction lifted, this will allow us the opportunity to improve journeys times.

“I would like to offer my thanks in advance to those travelling over the series of weekends and reassure them that we will do everything we can to keep you moving during these important works.”

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