Job to renew rail line in tunnel 'challenging'

Charlotte Tyler from Network Rail says the nature of the track makes the job challenging

The project manager behind works to replace a mile (1.6km) of track at a Devon tunnel has described the task ahead as challenging.

Charlotte Tyler, from Network Rail, said the work to renew the 50-year-old track at Honiton Tunnel between Axminster and Exeter was "going great" - but it was slow going due to the complexity of the task.

Ms Tyler said the nature of the line, a single track running through a tunnel, made it more difficult but the job was necessary after half a century of trains going through at 80mph (128km/h).

She said: "Everyone is working really hard... the new track is being laid."

The works will cause two weeks of disruption for passengers

Ms Tyler said 120 members of staff were on site, with shifts across 24 hours of the day for the two weeks.

She acknowledged the work caused disruption for passengers but sad it would lead to more efficient journeys with "less maintenance" needed over future years.

"Although 14 days is a long time, it saves us coming on numerous weekends, which is a lot more costly," she said.

As well as new track, new sleepers and ballasts were being installed, Network Rail said.

Buses will replace trains between Axminster and Exeter St David's until 22 November, it said.

Other works are planned during the closure include improving track drainage, maintenance work at Feniton Level Crossing and Fenny Bridges Foot Crossing, cutting back diseased and dangerous trees and replacing half a mile (805 metres) of track between Pinhoe and Feniton.

Network Rail said the line was scheduled to reopen on Saturday 23 November.