NO trains will run between Taunton and Weston-Super-Mare during ‘essential’ work on the line next month.

Great Western Railway trains between the Somerset towns will be affected as Network Rail carries out structural renewal work on the route between February 3 and 7.

It means no trains can operate between Taunton and Weston-Super-Mare for that period.

Meanwhile, replacement buses will operate instead. However, trains will continue to run between Taunton and London Paddington or the South West, as well as between Weston-super-Mare and London Paddington or Cardiff Central, via Bristol Temple Meads.

Some trains will also operate between Taunton and Bristol Temple Meads using an alternative route – extending journey times by up to an hour.

Adam Hopkins, GWR station manager for the Taunton area, said: “This work forms part of an ongoing programme of investment, helping to ensure we can continue to provide consistent and reliable services.

“GWR trains will still run between London Paddington and Taunton or Weston-super-Mare, while CrossCountry trains will run between Bristol Temple Meads and Taunton via a diversionary route.

“Rail replacement services will be provided for those stations between Taunton and Weston-super-Mare.

“As an alternative, rail tickets can also be used to travel on local buses calling at Weston-super-Mare, Highbridge & Burnham, Bridgwater or Taunton.

“It’s important that customers are aware these alternative travel arrangements will make journey times a little longer, so please do check before you travel.”

Network Rail programme manager, Scott Pillinger, added: “We have essential maintenance and repair work taking place on multiple bridges over this five-day period, ranging from strengthening works to full replacement.

“Alongside this there will be drainage work and some track work, all of which is vital to ensure the continued safe and reliable running of the railway.

“Working over a solid week is the most efficient way to get this work completed and minimise disruption overall but I’d like to thank passengers and residents for their patience while this work is carried out.”