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Saturday 8 Feb 2025

Train services return to normal as Somerset bridge maintenance complete

Region & Route:

Wales & Western

| Wales & Western: Western

Train services between Taunton and Weston-super-Mare have returned to normal today following five days of engineering work to carry out essential structural repairs to a number of bridges.

From Monday 3 to Friday 7 February inclusive, engineers worked around the clock during a temporary closure of the railway to repair four bridges in Somerset, ranging from fairly light-touch refurbishments to more extensive renovations.

A full replacement of the River Brue bridge deck took place alongside steel and masonry repairs, waterproofing and drainage work. The bridge was then repainted. While engineers carried out these repairs, another team replaced the track that runs over the top of the bridge.

Masonry repairs also took place on Middle Drove bridge, where the bridge span was fully replaced. New sections were lifted into place by crane, following the removal of the old span.

Somerset bridge was strengthened and repaired, while masonry and steel repairs were completed on Lympsham bridge, along with waterproofing.

Follow-up work will be taking place on the Middle Drove and River Brue bridges until 24 June. A full road closure will be in place on Accommodation Road until mid-June.

Scott Pillinger, Network Rail’s programme manager, said: “Our teams worked hard to complete these bridge repairs and reopen the line today. We also used the opportunity to carry out track and drainage work while trains weren’t running – all of which is vital to ensure the continued safe and reliable running of the railway.

“Working over a solid week was the most efficient way to get this work completed and minimise disruption overall and I'd like to thank passengers and residents for their patience while this essential maintenance took place."

Adam Hopkins, GWR’s station manager for the Taunton area, said: “We are grateful the work has been completed in a timely fashion, and for our customers’ patience while it has been carried out.

“This work formed part of an ongoing programme of investment, helping to ensure we can continue to provide consistent and reliable services for years to come.”