£750 million project spin-off benefit for West Somerset Railway

THE West Somerset Railway is benefiting with the spin-off from a £750 million programme to improve the track on Network Rail’s Western Route.
Network Rail has created a specially-designed operations base in Taunton to house a high output track relaying system (HOTRS) and high output ballast cleaner (HOBC).
The world class, award-winning equipment equipment, worth more than £50 million, equipment works three times faster than conventional renewals systems and will bring major improvements to the Westcountry’s railway lines during the next few years.
It reduces the need for lengthy line closures during engineering work ands also improves passenger comfort by making the track smoother and preventing the need for speed restrictions in coming years.
As work progresses, Network Rail is providing used ballast to the West Somerset Railway as construction material for the building of additional WSR facilities near Taunton, avoiding the need for many lorry movements in the local area.
WSR general manager Paul Conibeare said: “We are delighted to be working with Network Rail in this unique partnership, re-using the ballast to construct the triangle for turning locomotives and coaches, enabling steam-hauled charter trains to visit Somerset as a new and exciting destination.”
Network Rail high output programme engineering manager Colin Ness said: “The HOTRS does the work of several machines simultaneously.
“One system removes old rail and old sleepers, levels the ballast bed, lays new sleepers, and installs new rail all as one continuous process.
“The other system deals with the ballast.
“This means that we can replace up to 500 metres of track, sleepers, and ballast each night.
“We successfully used the HOS in the recent three-week closure of the railway between Taunton and Highbridge and Burnham.”

• Our photographs show the Network Rail equipment in use in the Fairwater Yard, Taunton. Photos contributed.