Somerset Railway line faces challenges from infrastructure hurdles
Railway line facing challenges from infrastructure hurdles and weather impacts
Somerset’s vital railway line, part of the West of England line operated by South Western Railway (SWR), faces challenges that will need strategic solutions including new infrastructure and weather intervention.
Speaking at the TravelWatch SouthWest regional meeting on 9th October, SWR’s strategy and business development director, Oliver Rogers, detailed the issues surrounding the line's revival. With Somerset stations at Crewkerne, Yeovil Junction, and Templecombe, the line suffers from historical underinvestment and relies on ageing diesel rolling stock.
While SWR, now under public ownership, is improving services east of Woking due to housing growth in Exeter, Somerset will also need improvements like battery-operated trains and passing loops to boost capacity.
Currently, the line can only operate one train per hour between Salisbury and Exeter due to its single track, a remnant of the 1960s Beeching cuts. The line’s lack of electrification hinders deployment of newer Arterio trains being used in SWR's “critical corridor.”
Mr. Rogers emphasized the need for investment in strategic interventions rather than extensive track duplication, citing the Cranbrook development and planned new town of Marlcombe as areas necessitating contribution from developers.
The current reduced timetable is attributed to soil moisture deficit affecting the Somerset section, requiring a wet winter to stabilize the clay tracks.
Rogers remarked, “It’s crazy that we’re standing here praying for rain, but that’s what we need.”
While awaiting infrastructure improvements, SWR is refurbishing existing trains for a modern passenger experience with features like USB-C charging ports and improved WiFi.
Efforts to enhance access at Yeovil Junction are underway, supported by Yeovil MP Adam Dance, as part of the government’s access for all program.
SWR's integrated modernisation plan includes plans for a new passing loop near Cranbrook, enabling two trains per hour between Axminster and Exeter.
Rogers added, “This line is going to be a case study for the government’s new rolling stock and infrastructure strategy.”
The challenge remains for SWR and developers to navigate these hurdles, securing public sector support to successfully revive the railway line.