Temporary train schedule begins between Yeovil Junction and Exeter
Extreme weather prompts adjustments to maintain passenger safety
Last updated 19 hours ago
As of today, Monday, 10th August, South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail Wessex (NR Wessex) have introduced a temporary timetable affecting train services between Yeovil Junction and Exeter St Davids.
Following record-breaking summer temperatures and dry conditions, the clay embankments supporting tracks between Salisbury and Exeter have destabilized, necessitating speed restrictions to ensure the safety of all passengers.
Services between London Waterloo and Salisbury will maintain half-hourly intervals, while routes extending to Exeter St Davids will operate at reduced frequency, with trains running hourly to Yeovil Junction and every other hour to Exeter.
Passengers should anticipate longer journey times, with trips from London Waterloo to Exeter St Davids taking up to 24 minutes longer and reverse journeys extending by 27 minutes.
Lawrence Bowman, Managing Director of SWR and NR Wessex, highlighted proactive track stabilization efforts undertaken since last summer’s similar challenges, emphasizing customer safety and minimizing disruption.
SWR encourages all travelers to check their journey planners and allow extra time as they navigate these temporary changes, with an assurance that regular service will resume as conditions allow.
Collaborative measures with the University of Southampton aim to enhance long-term resilience of the West of England line against climate impacts.
Passengers are encouraged to remain informed and accommodate scheduling changes in their travel plans.