Great Western Railway (GWR) and Network Rail have announced the closure of rail lines between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot this evening due to expected severe weather conditions along the sea wall at Dawlish.
Predicted heavy and persistent rain in the South West, combined with gusts of up to 60mph in coastal areas during high tide, represents a significant risk of sea water breaching the Dawlish sea wall, and debris on the railway.
The line will be closed from 20:30 today (Friday 23 January) until at least 14:00 tomorrow (Saturday 24 January), when safety inspections can be carried out. Disruption to services is expected until 16:00 on Saturday. Customers planning journeys today and tomorrow are advised to check their journeys before travelling. Those travelling today should aim to complete journeys by 20:00.
GWR has arranged replacement coaches to keep customers moving:
- Coaches will operate between Newton Abbot and Exeter St Davids
- Passengers heading to stations between Teignmouth and Newton Abbot should change at Exeter St Davids for coach services to Dawlish, Dawlish Warren, Teignmouth and Newton Abbot
- Replacement coaches will operate from the front of stations until midday Saturday
- Those with tickets dated to travel today through the affected area can use those tickets to travel up to and including Sunday 25 January. Those with advance fares for travel this evening (Friday 23 January) may also use those tickets to travel earlier today.
Train tickets will be accepted on Stagecoach South West bus services 2, 7 and 12.
Passengers should check live departure information at GWR.com or station departure boards or consider postponing travel until services return to normal.
Passengers delayed by 15 minutes or more could be eligible for Delay Repay compensation at GWR.com/Delayrepay.
GWR has apologised for the inconvenience and thanks customers for their understanding as safety remains the top priority.
Image credit: Network Rail