Devon rail passengers warned of major disruption beginning this weekend

Rail users in Plymouth and South Devon are being urged to plan ahead as major engineering work is set to close sections of the line for more than two weeks.

Network Rail will carry out strengthening work on the River Plym railway bridge, beginning this Saturday (21 February) until  Sunday 8 March.

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The bridge, east of Plymouth city centre near the A38 Devon Expressway, carries the main line between Plymouth and Totnes. 

Engineers will replace 180 metres of track and install new steel and synthetic rail supports to allow the structure to carry heavier and more frequent trains in future.

During the work, some train services will be replaced by buses.

When trains will be replaced

• Saturday 21 to Friday 27 February and Monday 2 to Sunday 8 March - buses replace trains between Totnes and Plymouth.
• Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March - buses replace trains between Teignmouth and Plymouth. Trains will still run between Newton Abbot and Paignton.
• A non-stop bus service will operate between Tiverton Parkway and Plymouth throughout the works.

Separate maintenance will also mean buses replace trains between Liskeard and Looe from Monday 23 February to Friday 6 March.

Network Rail says a temporary dam will be installed in the River Plym to allow access, with only half of the river closed at any time. 

Consent has been granted by the Marine Management Organisation and the Environment Agency.

While the line is closed, additional projects will be completed in South Devon, including:

• Platform resurfacing at Totnes
• Track and drainage maintenance
• Vegetation clearance
• Replacement of 400 metres of rail near Newton Abbot
• Track crossing replacement near Ivybridge
• Signalling upgrade surveys

Passengers are also reminded that all lifts at Exeter St Davids remain out of use until May due to upgrade work.

Parking at Tiverton Parkway and Totnes stations will be significantly reduced and car parks are expected to be busier than usual.

Dan Parkes, Network Rail principal portfolio manager, said:

“The type of trains and amount of traffic now using our bridges means they need greater structural support, so this is vital work to make sure they can continue to run safely for years to come.

“We’re sorry for the disruption but we’ll be busy in other areas as well to upgrade this heavily used section of railway and get as much work done as we can.”

Sharon Holloway, GWR Station Manager for Plymouth, said:

“Replacement buses will bridge the gaps, but journey times will be longer, and we urge passengers to check before they travel and allow extra time.”

Bethan Jelfs, CrossCountry’s Regional Director, added:

“We are asking passengers to check their journeys carefully, including where trains are being replaced by road services when the lines are closed.”

Most long-distance services between Exeter and London, Cardiff and the North are expected to operate as normal, and Plymouth to Penzance services are unaffected.

Passengers are advised to check their journeys before travelling and allow extra time.