SWR announces train timetable changes due to hot weather
The service passes through Hampshire, Wiltshire and Somerset before stopping in Exeter, Devon.According to the Met Office, this year's spring was the UK's warmest on record and saw the least amount of rain since 1976. Continuing into summer, the dry conditions removed moisture in clay soil embankments between Gillingham in Dorset and Axminster in Devon, causing them to shrink.
Track which sits above these embankments has been disturbed, so speed restrictions are being imposed for the safety of passing trains, SWR said.Once soil moisture levels improve and the ground begins to rehydrate and settle, engineers will carry out repairs to stabilise the embankments and restore track levels, allowing the normal timetable to return.A similar issue caused disruption to the track in Somerset earlier this week and meant Crewkerne has been served by buses instead of trains since Monday. But SWR said the upcoming amended timetable would restore railway services to the town.Tom Desmond, operations director for Network Rail, added: "The safety of our customers is our number one priority, which is why we must impose these speed restrictions between Gillingham and Axminster."
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North Wales Chronicle
an hour ago
- North Wales Chronicle
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Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
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Scotsman
an hour ago
- Scotsman
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