Minehead will be back on line in 2022
WEST Somerset Railway passenger trains are set to resume operating to Minehead for the 2022 season as the ongoing work to replace Seaward Way level crossing near the seaside terminus draws to a conclusion.
A milestone was reached on October 21 as planned, when the crossing was handed over by contractors Amey to the WSR.
The crossing is now authorised for all traffic, including passenger trains, with the first shunting movement passing over it on November 2. Various assessments have taken place and the ORR has agreed it is compliant with the previouslyapproved design, subject to one or two very minor adjustments, such as alterations to some sign positioning. These will be completed shortly, and next season there will be a full service of trains to and from Minehead.
However, for the last four days of the main season, pre-existing arrangements for passenger trains that had been in place all summer were followed, by terminating down trains at Dunster and passengers continuing by vintage bus to
Minehead; an arrangement that proved very popular.
The crossing is now complete with double barriers, and is operated by the signaller, with the aid of a CCTV system. Previously the crossing was a half barrier design, operated automatically; while suitable for minor roads, traffic on Seaward Way had increased considerably over the last 20 years, necessitating the upgrade.
A full celebratory reopening of Minehead station is planned for the spring.