Rail services in Gillingham to return to full speed

Network Rail announce changes to services after a dry July caused "soil moisture deficit".
Network Rail announce changes to services after a dry July caused "soil moisture deficit".
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Train services running through north Dorset will be able to return to full speed from the middle of the next month.

Speed restrictions of 40mph have been in place near Gillingham for the past two months after the clay based track bed shrank during the record-breaking temperatures experienced in the summer.

This left the trails uneven and too bumpy for trains to run at full speed without posing a risk.

The speed restrictions has affected routes running between Salisbury and Exeter St Davids.

South Western Railway has announced that services will return to normal as of Monday, November 14.

A spokesperson for SWR said: "Engineers have made good progress in restoring the track levels, helped by cooler temperatures and regular rain which has stopped the track bed shrinking.

"We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding as this consequence of the extreme hot weather in the summer has been resolved."

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