Passengers travelling between Taunton and Weston-super-Mare face five days of disruption as major engineering work is carried out on multiple railway bridges in Somerset.

From Monday, 5 February to Friday, 9 February, no trains will run between Taunton and Weston-super-Mare, with services diverted or replaced by alternative transport.

Despite the disruption, trains will continue to run between Taunton and London Paddington, and between Weston-super-Mare, Bristol Temple Meads, Cardiff, and Paddington. Some trains between Taunton and Bristol Temple Meads will take an alternative route, adding up to an hour to journey times.

What work is taking place?

Network Rail engineers will be carrying out repairs on four bridges in Somerset, with work ranging from minor refurbishments to full replacements.

• River Brue Bridge – The track will be removed so the bridge deck can be fully replaced, alongside steel and masonry repairs, waterproofing, and drainage work before the track is relaid.
• Middle Drove Bridge – Masonry repairs will be carried out, and the bridge span will be completely replaced, with new sections lifted into place by crane.
• Uphill and Dunball – Full track drainage replacement, including new pipes and inspection chambers.
• Highbridge and Burnham – Surveys and inspections will be conducted in preparation for future maintenance.

Follow-up work will continue on the Middle Drove and River Brue bridges until 24 June, with Accommodation Road closed until mid-June.

What passengers need to know

Network Rail's Scott Pillinger said the work is essential to keep the railway running safely and efficiently.

"We have essential maintenance and repair work taking place on multiple bridges over this five-day period, ranging from strengthening works to full replacement," he said.

"Alongside this, there will be drainage and track work, all of which is vital to ensure the continued safe and reliable running of the railway.

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"Working over a solid week is the most efficient way to get this work completed and minimise disruption overall, and I'd like to thank passengers and residents for their patience while this work is carried out."

GWR's Adam Hopkins added that rail replacement services and alternative travel options will be in place.

"This work forms part of an ongoing programme of investment, helping to ensure we can continue to provide consistent and reliable services," he said.

"GWR trains will still run between London Paddington and Taunton or Weston-super-Mare, while CrossCountry trains will run between Bristol Temple Meads and Taunton via a diversionary route.

"Rail replacement services will be provided for those stations between Taunton and Weston-super-Mare.

"As an alternative, rail tickets can also be used on local buses calling at Weston-super-Mare, Highbridge & Burnham, Bridgwater, or Taunton.

"It's important that customers are aware these alternative travel arrangements will make journey times a little longer, so please do check before you travel."

Passengers can find the latest travel information at GWR.com/Upgrade.

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