Passengers across Dorset will face significant disruption to rail services in the coming months as Network Rail continues its extensive upgrade program throughout the region. The most substantial disruption is scheduled for November 2025, when buses will replace trains between Poole and Dorchester South for a full week from November 15th to 21st. This round-the-clock engineering work focuses on strengthening embankments at Hamworthy and improving drainage at Pole sidings to combat flooding in these vulnerable areas.
Major rail disruption coming to Dorset in November 2025 with bus replacements during weeklong engineering works between Poole and Dorchester South.
The November 2025 works will also include renewal of wheel timbers on the River Frome Bridge near Wool, replacing them with more durable Fibre-reinforced Foamed Urethane materials. Additionally, footbridge improvements at Wool station will occur during this same period. Network Rail has emphasized that these improvements aim to ensure the long-term reliability of the Poole to Dorchester line. Passengers should allow extra journey time when traveling during these dates, as bus replacement services typically take longer than standard rail journeys.
This planned disruption follows several completed projects along the West England Line. In November 2024, Network Rail completed the replacement of 50-year-old single track within Honiton Tunnel, installing a mile of new rail, sleepers, and ballast stone. This work included essential drainage improvements to reduce flooding risk and embankment stabilization to minimize landslips. Before traveling, passengers are advised to check for service updates on National Rail’s website or directly with South Western Railway.
Level crossing enhancements have been ongoing throughout the network, with upgrades at Axe Gates and Broom level crossings between Axminster and Crewkerne completed in 2023. Sherborne and Feniton level crossings were refurbished in 2022, while tactile paving was installed at Gillingham and Sherborne stations that same year. Earlier this year, a 7-day closure was necessary for embankment stabilization work at Gillingham Tunnel to further reduce flooding and landslip risks.
Vegetation management remains a critical safety component of Network Rail’s program. Dangerous, diseased, and dying trees were removed between Honiton and Pinhoe during November 2024 work, while similar clearance took place between Tisbury and Sherborne in 2023.
According to Wessex Route Director Mark Goodall, these vital works guarantee trains can run safely and reliably despite the temporary inconvenience to passengers. The improvements form part of a long-term strategy to enhance rail reliability throughout Dorset.
