Work is under way near Axminster station in Devon to clear the way for an hourly service between London Waterloo and Exeter St David’s.

The £20million project, which started earlier this year, involves doubling the track for three miles near Axminster.

Axminster station will get a new platform and a lift to accommodate the potential boost in passenger capacity.

Not-for-profit company Network Rail is also strengthening seven bridges and 20 culverts along the route.

Twelve new signals will be installed and Chard Junction signal box will be upgraded.

Richard O’Brien, route director for Network Rail, said: “We try to deliver improvements with minimal inconvenience to passengers and the community.

“The majority of our work is carried out overnight or when trains are not running.”

Engineers will use a modular construction approach that involves the pre-construction of components to cut the amount of construction time carried out on site.

The scheme is funded by Network Rail – which receives financial support from the taxpayer – and will enable South West Trains to operate an hourly service by the end of this year.

On 24 June 2009, SWT parent company Stagecoach announced profits of £170million.

Stagecoach chief executive Brian Souter is demanding £200million from the Government in a dispute over the SWT franchise but refuses to consider handing the franchise back.