From Monday, July 28, South Western Railway (SWR) will suspend train stops at Crewkerne station until further notice due to track safety concerns. A temporary speed restriction of 40 mph will be enforced over a four-mile section near Crewkerne, affecting the timetable on the West of England Line between London Waterloo and Exeter St Davids.
The ongoing dry spell, the driest spring since 1836, has caused clay embankments between Salisbury and Axminster to dry out and shrink, leading to soil moisture deficits that have compromised track stability. Consequently, trains must reduce speeds to ensure safety, preventing normal stops at Crewkerne.
While train services will run as scheduled otherwise, passengers heading to or from Crewkerne will be served exclusively by a rail replacement bus service linking Yeovil Junction and Axminster, with journey times around 30 minutes each way. Travelers should allow additional time and check the SWR website for the latest updates.
Tom McNamee, Network Rail’s Wessex Route Infrastructure Director, stated: “We regret the disruption caused by the severe speed restriction near Crewkerne. The dry conditions have affected track integrity, and repairs can only proceed once moisture levels improve. Without these measures, delays and cancellations on the London to Exeter route would increase.”
With hot and dry weather forecast to persist, further speed restrictions and timetable changes on the West of England Line are expected. Network Rail and SWR continue to monitor conditions closely, committing to provide passengers with timely information and alternative arrangements as needed.