Network Rail and Great Western Railway (GWR) are advising passengers in Devon and Cornwall to continue to check before travelling as engineers work to fix flood damage to railway lines, with a further weather warning for heavy rain in the region lasting from noon on Monday 2 February until 09:00am on Tuesday morning.
Following heavy flooding caused by Storm Chandra last week, engineers found multiple areas on the Barnstaple and Okehampton lines in Devon where the ballast (the stones that support the track) had been washed away by the force of the flood water. Since then, teams have been working around the clock to rebuild these parts of the line by bringing in more ballast and compacting it to make a stable surface. This work is progressing well and is due to be completed on Monday afternoon.
Prior to these lines reopening, specialist divers need to carry out underwater inspections of the structures along the route – such as bridges and viaducts – to make sure the water hasn’t caused any damage. With more heavy rain forecast, Network Rail will continue to monitor the river levels to assess when it’s safe for divers to enter the water, which can only happen once the water levels have dropped.
As a result, the following lines currently remain closed:
- Exeter St Davids – Barnstaple
- Exeter St Davids – Okehampton
- Liskeard – Looe
The line between Par and Newquay has now reopened, however passengers should continue to check before travelling as more rain is on the way.
A limited rail replacement bus service is in operation between Exeter St Davids and Okehampton, calling at Exeter St Davids and Okehampton only. There is also a limited hourly return coach service between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple, calling at Crediton and Eggesford only.
Bus replacement services are operating between Liskeard and Looe.
Daryn McCombe, director of performance and train service delivery for GWR and director of network operations at Network Rail’s Western route, said: “Travel in Devon and Cornwall will continue to be disrupted into the first week of February as we work to repair storm damage. We’re really sorry for the disruption this is causing for passengers.
“We’ve been able to inspect and reopen the Newquay branch line, however it’s essential to continue checking before you travel as further heavy rain is expected in the area tomorrow.
“Our work to repair the damage on the Barnstaple and Okehampton lines is progressing well. Before we can reopen these lines once this work is complete, we will need to carry out safety inspections, including with the use of divers who assess whether the force of the water has caused any scour damage to bridges.
“While these lines have been shut, we’ve been able to carry out other essential work to ensure that we’re making the most of the closure, including removing dangerous trees and completing other safety‑critical tasks.
“Please continue to check before travelling for the latest updates.”
For the latest information and to check your journey visit: https://www.gwr.com/travel-information/travel-updates/check-your-journey.
Image credit: Network Rail