Temporary train timetable introduced in East Devon amid extreme weather concerns
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Rail passengers in East Devon are facing significant disruption after a temporary timetable was introduced on the West of England line due to safety concerns linked to prolonged hot and dry weather.
South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail Wessex have implemented the revised timetable between London Waterloo and Exeter St Davids following concerns about the stability of railway infrastructure affected by recent weather conditions.
Under the temporary arrangements, trains between Yeovil Junction and Exeter St Davids will run only once every two hours. Most journeys from London Waterloo to Exeter St Davids are expected to take up to 24 minutes longer than usual, while services from Exeter St Davids to London Waterloo could take up to 27 minutes longer.
The changes have been introduced because unstable clay embankments between Salisbury and Exeter have dried out during the prolonged period of hot weather, affecting track stability.
To maintain passenger safety, speed restrictions have been imposed between Tisbury and Honiton, a 60-mile section of largely single-track railway with only six passing loops. The restrictions significantly reduce the number of trains that can operate along the route.
Lawrence Bowman, managing director of South Western Railway and Network Rail Wessex, said: “The record-breaking heat of the last few months has had a significant impact on railways across the UK, and parts of our route are particularly vulnerable.
“Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common, and this is the second year in a row that prolonged hot, dry weather has affected our network.
“We are sorry for the disruption these changes may cause.
“We will restore the regular timetable as soon as conditions allow.”
Services between London Waterloo and Salisbury will continue to operate every 30 minutes, with one train per hour running to Yeovil Junction. Every other hour, that service will continue through to Exeter St Davids.
The disruption follows similar problems experienced on the line last summer, which prompted investment to strengthen the route against future weather-related issues.
Since then, SWR and Network Rail Wessex have monitored more than 30 sites between Salisbury and Exeter, installed 5,000 tonnes of new ballast, carried out extensive tamping work and removed more than 200 dead and diseased trees from embankments.
The two organisations are also working with the University of Southampton to develop longer-term solutions aimed at improving the resilience of the West of England line to extreme weather and climate change.
Passengers are being advised to check their journeys before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys while the temporary timetable remains in place.
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