Rail passengers in Dorset are being urged to plan ahead next November, as major engineering work is set to close part of the route for a week while Network Rail strengthens vulnerable sections of the line and upgrades key drainage systems.

Between Saturday 15 and Friday 21 November 2025, buses will replace trains as engineers tackle a series of projects designed to protect the railway from flooding and improve long-term reliability. The most significant work will see a 300-metre stretch of embankment in Hamworthy reinforced, alongside drainage improvements in the Poole sidings aimed at reducing water risks that have affected the route in the past.

Further upgrades will take place to the west of the county, where the wheel timbers on the River Frome bridge near Wool will be replaced. The existing timber supports will be renewed using modern Fibre-reinforced Foamed Urethane (FFU) components, extending the lifespan of the structure. Wool station will also see the completion of ongoing footbridge improvements.

Sustainability measures are being embedded throughout the programme. The crane used for lifting works at Wool will run on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels. Artificial FFU timbers remove the need for fresh timber harvesting, and all cutting and shaping will be carried out away from the riverbank to prevent water contamination. Elsewhere, 45 tonnes of old rail and six tonnes of metal fastenings recovered during re-railing through Morton will be recycled, while solar panels are being used at site compounds to reduce reliance on conventional energy sources.

George Murrell, Wessex Route Renewals Director, speaking on behalf of Network Rail and South Western Railway, said:

“We’re sorry for the disruption to passengers while we carry out this work, but it’s essential to keep services running safely and reliably. Our teams will be working around the clock to strengthen key parts of the railway and improve drainage in the area, helping to make the line more resilient in the years ahead.”

Changes to train services

• Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 November 2025: Buses replace trains between Bournemouth and Dorchester South

• Monday 17 to Friday 21 November 2025: Buses replace trains between Poole and Dorchester South

Image: Network Rail