Starting next week on the 8th December, essential engineering work will be carried out in Somerset until the 14th December.

Over the week, Network Rail will be working on the flood risk between Castle Cary and Taunton, meaning that passengers will be affected.

Journeys between London Paddington and Plymouth or Penzance will be extended by 15 minutes, as they will use an alternative route.

Some services will run between London Paddington and Westbury or Castle Cary on weekdays.

Buses will be in place across the whole week.

Numerous engineers will be in place installing new drainage along 600 metres of line next to the Somerton Tunnel.

Engineering trains will also be delivering 800 tonnes of shingle and 1,400 tonnes of ballast.

The section of the line will be closed to ensure the work can be carried out safely, so engineers will take advantage of this to carry out other work along the line.

They will be assessing points, testing signalling equipment and managing vegetation.

To check if a journey will be affected, visit nationalrail.co.uk or GWR.com/upgrade.

“The work we will be carrying out over the seven days involves the installation of a completely new drainage run that will take rain water away from the tracks. This is vital to improve the resilience of the railway in this area and to reduce the risk of flooding.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused to passengers during this time and appreciate their patience as we work to ensure a safe and reliable railway for years to come.”

Jason Pankhurst, Senior Programme Manager for Network Rail