Media centre

Tuesday 7 Sep 2004

TRACK IMPROVEMENTS IN SOMERSET

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

A major track renewal project will take place in the West Country next week as part of Network Rail’s ongoing programme to upgrade and enhance the country’s rail network.  Engineers will be working around the clock to replace rails, sleepers and ballast over several miles of track in Somerset. The two-week engineering programme will take place from10:45 on Monday 13 September to 14:45 on Friday 17 September, then from 10:45 on Monday 20 September to 14:45 on Friday 24 September and will require the closure of the line between Castle Cary and Taunton. Network Rail Regional Director, John Curley, said:   “This engineering work is part of our commitment to enhance track quality in the West Country and to provide a safe and reliable rail network. “We will work with First Great Western to do all we can to ensure that disruption to passengers and people living nearby is kept to an minimum.” London Paddington to West of England services will be altered or diverted via Bristol Temple Meads, with extended journey times, and a shuttle service will operate between Paddington and Castle Cary.  In addition, road transport will be provided between Taunton and Castle Cary. -more Castle Cary – 2 Passengers are advised to ring National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or refer to special timetable pamphlets, which will be available at stations. Linda Hill, First Great Western's Head of Customer Services, said: "This project is hugely important for the future of services to Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.  Without a reliable infrastructure we cannot provide our customers with the service they expect so although this will mean changes to the timetable for the next two weeks, we hope they understand the need for this work."