Devon Rail Tunnel Track Renewal Poses Challenges

Charlotte Tyler, Network Rail’s project manager overseeing the replacement of a mile (1.6km) of track within a Devon tunnel, has characterized the upcoming work as challenging. Ms. Tyler stated that while the renewal of the 50-year-old track at Honiton Tunnel, situated between Axminster and Exeter, was “going great,” its progress was slow due to the intricate nature of the undertaking. Ms. Tyler explained that the line’s configuration, a single track passing through a tunnel, complicated the process. Nevertheless, she emphasized the necessity of the project, given that trains had traversed the route at 80mph (128km/h) for half a century. She affirmed: “Everyone is working really hard… the new track is being laid.” According to Ms. Tyler, 120 staff members are deployed on site, operating in shifts around the clock for the two-week duration. She acknowledged that the work would cause inconvenience for passengers but asserted that it would ultimately result in more efficient journeys and require “less maintenance” in subsequent years. “Although 14 days is a long time, it saves us coming on numerous weekends, which is a lot more costly,” she remarked. Network Rail also confirmed that, in addition to new track, new sleepers and ballasts are being installed. The organization announced that buses would substitute for train services between Axminster and Exeter St David’s until November 22. Additional tasks scheduled during the closure period include enhancements to track drainage, maintenance operations at Feniton Level Crossing and Fenny Bridges Foot Crossing, the removal of diseased and hazardous trees, and the replacement of half a mile (805 metres) of track between Pinhoe and Feniton. Network Rail indicated that the line is expected to resume operations on Saturday, November 23.