https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/bristol/news/west-railway-improvements-2025-proposals/The South West's rail services could receive a major boost if new proposals are taken forward as part of a new transport and investment strategy.
The Western Gateway sub-national transport body, which covers large sections of the West Country, has published its draft strategic investment plan for the next ten years, highlighting nearly 40 transport schemes designed to boost the south-west’s economic performance.
The plan identifies two schemes which could increase the number of trains serving Somerset’s existing stations, making rail transport easier for passengers and ensuring the county is more attractive for investors.
Residents can give their feedback on the draft proposals until February 2, with the final plan expected to be approved by March 31.
The Western Gateway board area covers Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, Dorset (including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole), Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Wiltshire – with the majority of the 38 schemes proposed being designed to boost the fortunes of these four counties.
However, two specific schemes will have a direct impact on rail services within the Somerset Council area, delivering improvements which could drive growth and access to services within both this and the Western Gateway area.
The first scheme would see a passing loop built between Castle Cary and Yeovil Pen Mill stations, which lie on the Bristol to Weymouth line (a.k.a. the Heart of Wessex line) currently served by Great Western Railway (GWR▸ ).
This loop would allow the “delivery of a one train per hour train service in each direction” – a vast improvement on the current service, where trains range from once per hour to once every three hours depending on the time of day.
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