Emergency Engineering Works between Crewkerne and Axminster on Sunday 23rd January

Emergency Engineering Works between Crewkerne and Axminster on Sunday 23rd January

Released On 21st Jan 2022

Stakeholder update - Wessex route

Emergency Engineering Works between Crewkerne and Axminster on Sunday 23rd January

Dear Stakeholder, 

We wanted to update you on emergency works taking place between Axminster and Crewkerne on 23 January 2022.

Over the last week Network Rail teams have been monitoring the railway near to the River Axe bridge in Crewkerne and have begun to detect a deterioration in the condition of the lineside. As a result the teams will stabilise the bridge this weekend, allowing us to keep trains running safely and reliably on this part of our network. 

Unfortunately we will need to put in place a short emergency closure of the railway all day on Sunday 23 January, before continuing with the work overnight for the next three weeks when no trains are running. 

An interview with Mark Killick, Network Rail Wessex's Route Director, about the urgent need for the works can be found here.

We're really sorry for the disruption this short notice work will cause to our customers and are grateful for their patience over the weekend. Buses will replace trains in the area on Sunday 23 January and passengers should check before they travel at https://www.southwesternrailway.com/plan-my-journey/planned-improvements/january-2022-works

A summary of the train service in operation over the weekend is below:

  • Train services will run as normal between Crewkerne and Basingstoke / London Waterloo
  • Buses will replace trains between Crewkerne and Exeter St Davids including fast non-stop buses running between Crewkerne, Axminster, Honiton and Exeter in addition to those serving all stations. Please note that customers will need to catch buses earlier than the usual train times travelling towards Crewkerne.

Unfortunately this additional urgent work unavoidably coincides with other engineering work in the Raynes Park area which means that journeys to and from London Waterloo will be further extended from normal due to trains being diverted in that area. 

The details of the bus times are still being confirmed but will be uploaded into journey planners on Saturday morning. Unfortunately it has not been possible to arrange a separate rail shuttle between Axminster and Exeter due to crewing issues. 

King regards

Network Rail and South Western Railway.