Heart of Wessex Line: embankment upgrades to take place next month
Essential engineering work will take place between 28th February and 8th March
Passengers travelling on the Heart of Wessex Line between Yeovil Pen Mill and Weymouth should prepare for changes to their journeys between 28th February and 8th March 2026.
During this period, rail replacement buses will operate, calling at all stations between Yeovil Pen Mill and Dorchester West before continuing to Weymouth.
Upwey station will be inaccessible via the bus service, so passengers are advised to use South Western Railway trains from Weymouth instead.
Network Rail will be carrying out vital embankment works between Chetnole and Maiden Newton near the Evershot Tunnel.
The work involves stabilising the slope through soil and rock cutting, soil nails, and netting to prevent potential landslips that could disrupt passenger services and pose safety risks.
Additional works planned during the closure
To make the most of the line closure, engineers will also conduct stress testing on continuous welded rail to enhance reliability, particularly during warmer months.
Minor track improvements in Thornford will be following up on track renewal undertaken in September 2024, as well as vegetation management which includes the removal of dead, dying, and diseased trees, will also take place.
Tom McNamee, Infrastructure Director for Network Rail, said: “This latest investment in the Heart of Wessex Line will give our passengers a stronger and more reliable railway. Over the last few years, we have been investing in the Heart of Wessex Line to improve services in the rural communities this route serves. Please plan ahead, check before you travel, and allow more time for your journeys to be completed while we carry out these vital improvement works.”
Jordan Welsby, Station Manager for Great Western Railway, added: “Replacement road transport will be operating during this period between Yeovil Pen Mill and Weymouth stations. South Western Railway trains still run between Weymouth and London Waterloo, or between Yeovil Junction and Salisbury or London Waterloo. Please note there will be reduced parking available at Yeovil Pen Mill station due to the rail replacement operation. It’s important customers are aware these alternative travel arrangements will make journey times much longer, so please plan ahead. For the latest information, visit GWR.com/Upgrade.”