Network Rail has been working day and night this week to renew track in order to improve line speed between Taunton and Exeter St Davids.

An emergency speed restriction has been in place between the stations due to newer trains running on older sections of track.

The work, scheduled to finish today (Saturday), involves engineers taking out and replacing old track and ballast to restore the original 100mph line speed, prevent delays and provide more reliable journeys for passengers.

Network Rail has been advising passengers to check before they travel as a replacement bus service has been running between Taunton and Exeter St Davids.

Network Rail project manager Jason Pankhurst said: “We are carrying out major track renewal and enhancements to the railway line between Tiverton Parkway and Exeter. Once completed we will not need to return to the area to replace the track for at least 25 years.

“At the same time we have other projects being carried out both at Hele and Bradninch level crossing as well as Tonedale near Wellington.”