Train lines impacted by the Salisbury double train crash will be disrupted for longer than previously anticipated, we heard this morning.
This is partly due to the damage to the tracks, as Network Rail Wessex suggests they may have to completely refurbish the line.
Network Rail, South Western Railway and Great Western Railway have issued a joint statement suggesting that rail services in the Salisbury area won't return until "at least" November 15.
When will rail services from Salisbury station return to normal?
In a statement Network Rail, SWR and GWR confirmed the accident site has been handed over to Network Rail Wessex, where they have begun the process of removing the trains which we are providing live updates on.
They said: "While it is too early to determine how long the works will take, we can confirm the railway around Salisbury will be closed until at least Monday 15 November.”
What's the damage and why is it taking so long to fix it?
Network Rail Wessex provided updates this morning on the investigation of the damaged train tracks themselves, sharing an aerial picture of the site from 2019.
They will have to carry out “heavy refurbishment” on Salisbury junction where the accident happened, which is "one stop short of a complete replacement".
In a tweet they added: "The advantage is we don’t have to dig everything up and start again with new components, but it’s still a big job."
They are also investigating laying new track in Fisherton Tunnel which they will give an update on later this week.
Which rail services are impacted by the Salisbury train crash?
Closures are affecting SWR trains between Exeter and Basingstoke and GWR trains between Westbury and Portsmouth.
Alternative routes have been given, with replacement buses operating between Basingstoke and Andover and also Salisbury and Exeter St David's.
There will be no train service between Salisbury and Andover and Salisbury to Eastleigh via Romsey so replacement buses are in operation between Salisbury and Andover, and the timetable can be found on the South Western Rail disruptions page.
READ MORE: Bus services disrupted after the closure of London Road and alternative routes
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