The Heart of Wessex line between Castle Cary and Weymouth has reopened following a week-long closure for crucial upgrades. Network Rail’s engineering team replaced approximately a mile of track between Thornford and Yeovil Pen Mill, installing over 2,000 new sleepers and 3,600 tonnes of ballast stone.
The previous track, which was over 50 years old, required frequent inspections and repairs to ensure passenger safety. It was also prone to faults and speed restrictions due to the joints every 60 feet. The new continuously welded rail eliminates these joints, reducing the need for inspections and minimizing faults.
Additionally, engineers upgraded the junctions on either side of Maiden Newton station, where the two tracks serving the platforms merge into one.
To make the most of the closure, the team also inspected the Poundbury and Grimstone tunnels, tested signalling and telecommunications systems, and removed selected diseased and dangerous trees between Yeovil Pen Mill and Yeovil Junction station.
Mark Goodall, Network Rail’s Wessex route director, said:
“I am delighted to see that these upgrade works to the Heart of Wessex Line have been completed successfully. I would like to pay tribute to everyone who has worked on the project to deliver a safe and upgraded railway for our passengers."
Jordan Welsby, GWR Station Manager for Westbury, Wiltshire and Dorset, said: “We are delighted to have train services operating again between Castle Cary and Weymouth on our Heart of Wessex line.
“This improvement work formed part of an ongoing programme of maintenance to ensure we can continue to provide consistent and reliable services.
“We would like to thank customers for bearing with us during the past week and apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused them.”
Photo credit: Network Rail
