Dear Stakeholders,
West of England Line - Soil Moisture Deficit Update - 4 November 2025
On behalf of South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail we are writing to inform you that the normal West of England Line timetable is set to be fully restored from Saturday 29 November.
This follows a period of reduced service, which has been in place since August due to exceptionally dry weather conditions earlier in the year.
Recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have helped restore moisture levels and reduce soil moisture deficit, allowing the embankments to stabilise. Over the coming weeks, Network Rail engineers will carry out a series of works, including tamping, to ensure the track is properly aligned. This will allow us to remove the four speed restrictions between Yeovil and Exeter.
Once this work is finished, the full timetable will resume, with direct hourly services between London Waterloo and Exeter St Davids operating at their usual journey times.
Journey planners have been updated to reflect the reinstated timetable, and customers are advised to check before travelling. This update marks a return to normal service and reliability on the West of England Line following a challenging period of unprecedented weather conditions.
We would like to thank our passengers, stakeholders, and communities for their patience and cooperation during this time, and we apologise for any disruption to regular services.
Kind regards
South Western Railway and Network Rail
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