Heart of Wessex line upgrades
We’re making major improvements from Castle Cary to Weymouth
Since February 2020, we’ve been renewing key stretches of track, replacing bridges and carrying out essential maintenance at our stations.
What did we do?
Our engineers returned to the Heart of Wessex between 28 February and 8 March 2026 to carry out essential engineering work.
What work took place?
Engineers strengthened embankments at Evershot Tunnel, Dorset to help prevent the risk of landslips from disrupting journeys.
To stabilise the embankments, engineers cut through soil and rock to strengthen the slope by using soil nails and netting
Taking full advantage of the 8-day closure we will also:
- Stress tested the continuous welded rail to improve reliability, reducing the need for speed restrictions in hotter months
- Carried out minor improvements to the track in the Thornford area following recent track renewal in September 2024
- Carefully managed vegetation by selecting diseased and dangerous trees that could cause delays to the running of trains between Chetnole and Maiden Newton Railway Stations
Why was the work needed?
When landslips happen, unfortunately so do delays. A train can’t swerve to avoid debris on the line in the same way a car can avoid a small obstruction on the road.
The safety of our passengers and colleagues is our priority and that’s why this work is essential.
The combined work will make for more reliable journeys with less need for speed restrictions in hotter months.
Previous work
Contact us
For more information or to get in touch with us, please contact us by visiting our contact us page or by calling our 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41. Information can also be found on our twitter page @NetworkRailWssx