Train services to Barnstaple will continue to be suspended until at least Tuesday 24 February because of high water levels as a result of last month’s named storms and ongoing adverse weather conditions. Train services are, however, being reinstated to Copplestone from tomorrow (Thursday) subject to weather conditions.
To reopen the remainder of the line to Barnstaple, specialist divers need to inspect submerged structures to ensure the safety of the route. The high-water level and current have so far prevented divers from being able to access one of the structures on the route.
However, Network Rail and GWR are working hard to reinstate services. From mid-morning tomorrow (Thursday), a limited train service will start operating between Exeter Central and Copplestone, calling at all stations. This is in addition to the services already operating to Crediton and Okehampton. These services will be subject to ongoing review with a yellow weather warning for heavy rain in place through this evening (Wednesday 18th February).
Divers are on standby to inspect the remaining structures when it’s safe to do so.
Apologising to customers, Daryn McCombe, joint route control lead for Network Rail and GWR, said:
“We’re really sorry for the continued disruption following the various storms which have impacted the railway.
“The impact of the initial storms, combined with sustained heavy rainfall over the past three weeks, has slowed progress on stretches where the railway crosses swollen rivers and these will remain closed until they can be inspected below the water line. At present, water levels and flow rates mean it is not safe for our specialist divers to enter the water.
“With a further Met Office weather warning for heavy rain in place across Devon and Cornwall this evening, we will reassess conditions at the remaining sites first thing on Thursday morning.
“We encourage customers to continue checking gwr.com for the latest information and travel advice.”
Travel info:
Bus replacement services are operating between Crediton and Barnstaple, calling at all stations, and a direct bus replacement service between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple. Ticket acceptance is also in place on some local bus services.
For the latest information and to check your journey visit: https://www.gwr.com/travel-information/travel-updates/check-your-journey
Network Rail is currently trialling new technology at one of the bridges on the Barnstaple line, which will provide data on how fast the water is flowing at both the riverbed and on the surface.
It’s hoped that this data will assist in monitoring for potential scour damage and reduce the need for divers to carry out inspections in the future. If successful, this technology will reduce the duration and frequency of bridge closures due to flooding – it’s hoped that other bridges on the Barnstaple and Okehampton lines can have this equipment fitted over the spring and summer, ahead of next winter.
Image credit: Network Rail
