SWR changes between Exeter and Yeovil, 18th Feb to 8th March 2019

[whole diary]

[grahame]

From 18th Feb to 8th March, GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) trains will be diverted via Honiton ... changes notified to me (via TravelWatch SouthWest) at
http://www.passenger.chat/swr_whiteball.pdf  .  Andrew Ardley of SWR^» (South Western Railway - about) asks for this to be shared ...

You will hopefully be aware of the changes to GWR services between Exeter and Taunton between the above dates due to the closure of the line for work on Whiteball tunnel. As a result GWR will be operating an approximate two hourly frequency between Exeter and Paddington via Yeovil Junction. This in turn necessitates some changes to SWR services between Exeter and Waterloo to accommodate the GWR services on the single line sections.
 
I have attached a summary of the changes to train times that are correct as far as I am aware as of today. However it is possible that there may be further changes in the next week or so due to pathing issues – I will send you a revised version if that is the case. You will note that we strongly encourage customers to check journey planners immediately before 18th February anyway. Times between Yeovil Junction and Waterloo are unaffected.
 
There has been considerable joint work between SWR and GWR to improve the resilience of the timetable compared to the similar operation in 2018. Additional time has been allowed at key locations to introduce a buffer for late running. The majority of GWR’s services will start and finish at Plymouth which will reduce any delays from within Cornwall.
 
I would be grateful if you could spread the message through your local channels as far as possible

[bradshaw]

Plenty of photographs of the GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) diversions here

http://www.cornwallrailwaysociety.org.uk/latest-input--news--old-pictures-etc

[bobm]

As mentioned in the link above timekeeping has been a problem this week.   The 13:03 from Paddington has been a regular casualty picking up delays at both Castle Cary and Honiton.

With single line working for part of the run between Totnes and Plymouth as well it is affecting punctuality all the way to Penzance.

[bradshaw]

Not so bad so far today. The past couple of days saw the Exeter Riverside to Whatley train place in the goods loop at Yeovil Pen Mill for 90 minutes until a path cleared for it.

[bobm]

The 13:03 isn't faring much better today but nothing to do with the Whiteball closure.  The points for the turnback siding at Bedwyn have failed leaving a terminating train stranded on the main line.  As a result the 13:03 has been diverted via Melksham.  It was nine minutes late leaving Reading and is just passing Trowbridge now (14:30) so about 15 minutes behind schedule.