West of England line improvements
Easter weekend track upgrades
What’s happening?
Over the Easter weekend, Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April 2026, Network Rail engineers will return to the West of England line to carry out track upgrades.
What’s involved?
Engineers will be replacing the stretch of track on the West of England Line that runs through Seaton Junction, to the west of Axminster station.
Once this track has been replaced, a tamper machine will be brought in to ensure it is in its optimal alignment to allow services to run smoothly over the line.
Engineers will also assess drainage and inspect structures in the Crewkerne area to ensure the continued safe running of trains.
How will this impact me?
Over the course of the line closure, trains from London Waterloo to Exeter St Davids will finish their journeys at Yeovil Junction.
Buses will replace trains between Yeovil Junction and Honiton all day and then extend between Yeovil Junction and Exeter St Davids after 1800.
Check before you travel
Changes to train services
A two-hourly shuttle train service will run between Honiton and Exeter St Davids during the day. Trains from Honiton to Exeter will run between 0814 and 1814. Train services from Exeter to Honiton will run between 0725 and 1725.
On Sunday 5 April, the shuttle train service will start later, but will finish at the same time.
Buses will replace trains between Yeovil Junction and Honiton and will call at both Crewkerne and Axminster.
From 1800 until the end of service, two buses will run between Yeovil and Exeter Central.
Both buses will call at Crewkerne, Axminster and Honiton and Exeter Central with one of those buses also calling at Cranbrook and Pinhoe.
Why is the work needed?
The track through Seaton Junction has reached the end of its natural life and this renewal will ensure customers have a smoother and more reliable journey.
We thank you for your patience as we improve the West of England line.
Get in touch
For more information or to get in touch with us, please visit our contact us page, follow us on X (formally known as Twitter) or by calling our 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.