Floods disrupt travel across Devon and Cornwall as passengers urged to check journeys
Rail lines remain closed following damage from Storm Chandra
Passengers travelling across Devon and Cornwall are being advised to check their journeys as rail disruptions continue following flood damage.
The warnings come as engineers work to repair affected railway lines after Storm Chandra caused heavy flooding last week. A yellow weather warning for heavy rain in the region will also remain in place from noon on 2nd February until 9am on 3rd February, which could delay ongoing repair efforts.
Rail lines affected
Flooding caused significant damage to the Barnstaple and Okehampton lines, with ballast supporting the track washed away by floodwaters. Engineers are working round the clock to rebuild parts of the affected railway lines, compacting ballast to create a stable surface.
Specialist divers will inspect bridges and viaducts along the route to ensure no structural damage has occurred before the lines can reopen.
As of now, the following lines remain closed:
- Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple
- Exeter St Davids - Okehampton
- Liskeard - Looe
Rail replacement bus services are running on affected routes, including an hourly return coach service between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple, and buses between Liskeard and Looe.
The Par to Newquay line has reopened, although passengers are urged to check before travelling due to further anticipated rainfall.
Ongoing disruption
Daryn McCombe, director of performance and train service delivery for Great Western Railway (GWR) and director of network operations at Network Rail's Western route, apologised for the ongoing disruption.
“Travel in Devon and Cornwall will continue to be disrupted into the first week of February as we work to repair storm damage,” McCombe said.
“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 teams are making the most of the closure by carrying out other essential work, such as removing dangerous trees and performing safety-critical tasks.
“Please continue to check before travelling for the latest updates.”
Passengers can find the latest travel information and updates at the GWR website