There was good news for commuters who use Highbridge & Burnham-On-Sea Railway Station on Monday (December 11th) when a three week closure to renew tracks was completed.
During the work (pictured above) a total of six miles of rail, 26,000 tonnes of ballast, over 14,000 sleepers and ten points were renewed.
The final stages of the project involved extensive testing of the new track before the line was handed back on time and re-opened to passengers this morning.
The work was part of Network Rail’s £750 million project to renew the railway between London Paddington and the West Country.
A team of engineers worked around the clock to replace essential track components, which will mean smoother and quicker journeys for passengers, and secure the long term future of this important stretch of railway.
Robbie Burns, Network Rail’s Western Route Director, said: “This huge investment will enhance the performance of the railway in the area and bring long-term benefits to passengers across the West Country.”
“It is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of all parties involved that such a huge project was completed on time and on budget. We appreciate that this was disruptive for passengers, and we thank them for their patience in allowing us to complete this important work.”
The line will be closed between Bristol Temple Meads and Taunton on the weekends of 16/17 December to allow follow-up works to take place. During this closure, Virgin CrossCountry services will be diverted via Westbury and Bath Spa, with journey times increased by one hour.
Virgin CrossCountry services to and from Plymouth/Penzance will be diverted via Bath Spa, with those normally running to and from Paignton starting from and terminating at Bristol Temple Meads. First Great Western will run replacement bus services between Weston-super-Mare, Taunton and Bristol Temple Meads.
RELATED LINKS:
Train times and tickets for Burnham and Highbridge railway station
Burnham and Highbridge railway station to close during works
