Rail services through Somerset have returned to normal following a major Easter engineering programme, Network Rail has confirmed.

Engineers worked continuously from Friday through the bank holiday weekend at East Somerset Junction, between Westbury and Taunton, completing the project ahead of schedule in time for Monday morning services.

The upgrade replaced 1.4km of track, 1,080 sleepers and 3,300 tonnes of ballast, much of it dating back to the 1960s, improving reliability and ride quality.

Additional maintenance, signalling work and vegetation clearance were also carried out nearby.

Follow-up work over the next two weekends will bring limited disruption, with amended Great Western Railway services operating on 12 and 19 April.

“I’d like to thank passengers for their patience over the long weekend as we completed another essential upgrade over the Easter weekend, replacing track dating back to the 1960s with modern components that will help ensure continued safe and reliable train journeys for years to come.

“If you’re travelling over the next two Sundays, please make sure to check before you travel as some journeys will be affected by our planned follow-up work.”

Mark Parker, Network Rail lead portfolio manager.