Evershot Tunnel embankment strengthening: Buses replace trains between Yeovil Pen Mill and Weymouth from Saturday 28 February to Sunday 8 March 

Route(s) affected

Great Western Railway between Gloucester / Bristol Temple Meads and Weymouth

Description

Engineering work is taking place between Yeovil Pen Mill and Dorchester West, closing some lines. ​​​​​​​Background information on the work can be found below.

As a result, buses will replace trains between Yeovil Pen Mill and Weymouth.

South Western Railway will continue to operate trains between London Waterloo, Dorchester South, Upwey and Weymouth.

Background information:

Network Rail engineers will be strengthening embankments at Evershot Tunnel, Dorset to help prevent the risk of landslips from disrupting journeys. To stabilise the embankments, engineers will cut through soil and rock and stabilise the slope by using soil nails and netting.

To take full advantage of the 8-day line closure, Network Rail will also:

• Stress test the continuous welded rail to improve reliability, reducing the need for speed restrictions in hotter months

• Carry out minor improvements to the track in the Thornford area following recent track renewal in September 2024

• Carefully manage vegetation by selecting diseased and dangerous trees that could cause delays to the running of trains between Chetnole and Maiden Newton stations

More details on this project are available on the Network Rail website.

Check before you travel:

You can plan your journey using the National Rail Enquiries Journey Planner

Replacement bus travel advice:

For helpful advice if you need to travel on a rail replacement service, including accessibility and bicycle information, please use our Rail Replacement Services page.

You can find the pick-up and set-down location of rail replacement services by checking station signage or by searching for your station on our Find a Station page.

Please be advised that replacement vehicles may be busier than usual, and you should allow extra time for your journey.