Worn-out tracks cause railway line closure

Part of a railway line has been closed so worn-out tracks can be replaced.

The line between Salisbury in Wiltshire and Yeovil in Somerset was shut on Friday night and will not reopen for 16 days, while 5,699ft (1,737m) of track is changed.

Rail replacement bus services will be in place for customers travelling to and from Tisbury, Gillingham, Sherborne and Templecombe.

Network Rail said the route would reopen on 11 December.

About 4,200ft (1,280m) of track around Tisbury and Sherborne and 1,500ft (457m) of track running through Gillingham station will be replaced to improve "poor performance" on the line.

Engineers will also be clearing vegetation, completing level crossing maintenance and stabilising earthworks by Gillingham tunnel.

In recent years, the line has seen problems with landslips, flooding and the ground drying out and shrinking in summer.

Mark Killick, Network Rail's Wessex route director, said he recognised it would be disruptive for passengers.

"These upgrades are crucial for the safe and reliable running of services on the West of England line in the future and I'm grateful to customers for their patience and understanding during this time," he added.

South Western Railway said passengers would still be able to travel on services between London Waterloo and Exeter St David's, as trains would be diverted via Westbury.

But it added timetables would be altered while work was ongoing.

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