Written question asked by Lord Patten (Conservative) on Monday, 6 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 July 2026. It was answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

West of England Line

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government how much of the length of the mainline railway between Salisbury and Exeter is single track.

Answer: The West of England main line between Salisbury and Exeter St Davids is predominantly single track between Wilton (west of Salisbury) and Pinhoe (east of Exeter). There are short double track sections at either end of the route and in a 10-mile section between Templecombe and Yeovil Junction, as well as at a number of short passing places. Approximately 66 miles (106km) of the 88 miles (142km) between Salisbury and Exeter Central stations is single track.

Secondary information