Rail passengers using Castle Cary are facing a week of delays and disruption as Network Rail carries out urgent work to stop flooding on the line.

From Monday, 8 December to Sunday, 14 December, services between Castle Cary and Taunton will be suspended while engineers rip up nearly 600 metres of track to install new drainage near Somerton Tunnel.

The line has been plagued by flooding issues — and bosses say this fix is vital to keep the route open through winter.

Up to 25 workers will be on site around the clock, supported by two engineering trains carrying 2,200 tonnes of stone and shingle. Alongside the drainage work, teams will inspect signals, fine-tune points, and clear overgrown vegetation to prevent future delays.

Network Rail's Jason Pankhurst said: "This is vital to improve the resilience of the railway and reduce the risk of flooding. We appreciate passengers' patience."

GWR confirmed that some Paddington services will be diverted, adding at least 15 minutes to journey times. Buses will replace trains between Castle Cary and Taunton every day. Weekend buses will also run between Pewsey and Swindon.

GWR station manager Jordan Welsby added: "This investment forms part of a wider improvement programme. Please check your journey and allow extra time."

Trains to Bristol, Yeovil and Weymouth via Castle Cary will run as normal.

Passengers are urged to check GWR's upgrade page or National Rail before travelling.

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