Rail journeys affected by planned engineering works in Dorset
Great Western Railway services will be affected by essential maintenance work between Dorchester and Weymouth later in March.
Trains on the Heart of Wessex line between Somerset and Dorset will be impacted by track renewal work from Sunday 17 to Wednesday 20 March:
- Trains will start/terminate at Yeovil Pen Mill instead of Weymouth on Sunday, then at Dorchester West from Monday to Wednesday
- South Western Railway trains will run to Weymouth on Sunday but start/terminate at Dorchester South from Monday to Wednesday
- Replacement buses will operate between Yeovil Pen Mill and Weymouth on Sunday, then between Dorchester South and Weymouth from Monday to Wednesday
- Replacement buses are also planned to run between Wareham and Bournemouth for SWR services on Sunday
Jordan Welsby, GWR Station Manager for Westbury, Wiltshire and Dorset, said:
“This improvement work forms part of an ongoing programme of maintenance, helping to ensure that we can continue to provide consistent and reliable services.
“On Sunday 17 March, GWR will provide rail replacement services between Yeovil Pen Mill and Weymouth – stopping at Dorchester West only or stopping at all stations.
“Importantly, from Monday 18 to Wednesday 20 March, no replacement buses will stop at Dorchester West station, so customers should use Dorchester South instead.
“SWR will be running replacement buses between Dorchester South, Upwey and Weymouth and has agreed to accept GWR customers on its services.
“Replacement buses at Dorchester South pick-up or drop-off in the station forecourt area off Copper Street, a 10 to 15 minutes’ walk from Dorchester West.
“However, these alternative travel arrangements will make journey times longer, so please check before you travel during these dates.”
Chris Bailey, Network Rail’s project manager, said:
“These works are essential for us to carry out as they will improve reliability of the railway for customers travelling in and around Dorchester and Weymouth.”
“We’re grateful to customers and local residents living alongside the railway for their patience and understanding while we continue carrying out this important work.”
For the latest information, visit GWR.com/Wessex.
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Notes to editors
First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR has been awarded a National Rail Contract to continue operating the Great Western network, which shall run up to 21 June 2025, with the potential for a further three years at the Secretary of State’s discretion. Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us.