Rail track expected to reopen after landslip at Crewkerne Tunnel

On Monday, December 4, over 90mm of rain in just a few hours caused a landslip and severe flooding at Crewkerne Tunnel on the West of England line, which closed the line between Salisbury and Exeter.

The line between Salisbury and Yeovil Junction is expected to reopen today (Monday, December 11), with trains running between London Waterloo and Yeovil Junction, but the line between Yeovil Junction and Exeter St David’s will remain closed until Wednesday, December 13.

Passengers are advised not to travel between Yeovil Junction and Exeter St David’s, and to continue to check for travel updates.

Engineers began repair work on Tuesday, December 5, using ropes to abseil down the cutting and start removing vegetation.

They need to excavate 300 tonnes of clay, soil, and vegetation from around the tunnel entrance to help stabilise the cutting.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Our engineers have been working over the weekend to remove 300 tonnes of materials on the track near Crewkerne Tunnel, following a landslip on Monday 4 December.

“However, our efforts to restore the line have been hampered by further adverse weather conditions in recent days, in particular strong winds.

“These weather conditions have made it unsafe for us to use a tall crane that is essential to complete the work and repair the landslip.

“With the weather set to improve, we hope to be able to make good progress over the coming days.

“We now expect to re-open the line between Salisbury and Yeovil Junction on Monday, December 11, with trains running between London Waterloo and Yeovil Junction, however the line between Yeovil Junction and Exeter St David’s will remain closed until Wednesday, December 13. 

“Until this time, we’re advising customers not to attempt to travel between Yeovil Junction and Exeter St David’s, and to continue to check for travel updates. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by these essential works.”