Network Rail engineers have used two unique trains to complete major improvements during a 16-day closure of railway lines in Dorset and Wiltshire.

Engineers used a New Track Construction train, which lays new rails and sleepers as it travels, between Chetnole and Yetminster, where just under one mile of new track was needed.

Over four miles of new sleepers, rails, and ballast were also installed from Maiden Newton to Yetminster; some track in this area dated back to 1958.

At Upwey station, the ballast had become contaminated because of rainwater mixing with the underlying clay.

The country’s only Railvac machine was used to remove contaminated ballast supporting the track, which was then lowered slightly to improve its level and ensure that trains can continue travelling through the area without being subject to speed restrictions.

The Railvac works by using a high-powered vacuum to suck up large volumes of ballast.

Network Rail Wessex route director, Mark Killick, said: “We’re so grateful to customers and people who living close to the railway for their patience over the last few weeks. Sixteen days is a long time to close the railway but we’ve delivered much better track, improved two stations and performed vital maintenance that will keep trains running on time. The alternative to this closure would have been many months of weekend disruption which would have affected many more journeys.

“The new track we’ve laid will last us many decades into the future and I’m confident that people will notice a difference this week as they enjoy travelling by train again.”

Great Western Railway’s Station Manager for Westbury, Wiltshire, and Dorset, James Wilcox, said: “We are grateful to our customers for their patience while this important work has been completed. We are thankful so much has been achieved by Network Rail during the 16-day period, allowing us to continue to operate services on this key route between Somerset and Dorset for years to come.”

Christian Neill, SWR’s Customer Experience Director, said: “The work Network Rail completed will mean big improvements for our customers. Not just a more reliable and resilient service, but visible changes which usher in further upgrades to the passenger experience at Weymouth, with the new forecourt scheme planned for completion in May 2022. The new tactile paving will also improve journeys for our visually impaired customers at Weymouth and Upwey.

“I know that closing the railway for such a long time was disruptive to our customers and I’m grateful to Network Rail for the huge amount of work they packed into this closure. I’d especially like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding whilst these essential works were carried out.”

Whilst the major improvements were being carried out, between Monday 22 and Friday 26 November the line from Weymouth to Dorchester South on the South Western Railway was closed to allow engineers to complete over 30 jobs at eight different locations.

Weymouth and Upwey stations had new tactile paving installed on platforms to assist visually-impaired passengers, and Weymouth station was cleaned and re-painted.

All work was completed on time with trains running as normal from Saturday 4 December.