Major upgrade planned so line can carrier 'heavier, more frequent trains'
The work, starting later this month, will impact services between Exeter and Plymouth and include a bus service from Tiverton Parkway to Plymouth
Network Rail's confirmed major repairs and upgrades will begin this month on the line over Plym Bridge, between Plymouth and Totnes.
It'll affect services between Exeter and Plymouth from next weekend until March 9.
Dan Parkes, from Network Rail, said: "The strengthening work on the River Plym railway bridge which will see 180 metres of track replaced and the bridge strengthened to carry heavier, more frequent trains for decades to come.
"The work will take place between Saturday 21 February and Sunday 8 March on the bridge, which is to the east of Plymouth city centre. Further improvement projects will also take place in several other areas in south Devon.
"River Plym bridge, near the A38 Devon Expressway, carries the railway between Plymouth and Totnes. 134 steel rail bearers will be installed between the existing cross-beams on the bridge and 24 FFU rail bearers will also be laid along the length of the bridge. FFU is a synthetic wood that’s lighter and more durable than traditional timber, it lasts six times as long and requires less maintenance.
"A temporary dam will be installed to provide the required access to the river. Only half the river will be dammed at any time to ensure the flow of the river isn’t interrupted and fish aren’t disturbed. Consent has been obtained from the Marine Management Organisation and Environment Agency. "
The principal portfolio manager added: “The type of trains and amount of traffic now using our bridges means they need greater structural support, so this is vital work 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.
“The work is only possible by everyone across the railway industry working closely together and we’re very grateful for their support.”
GWR Station Manager for Plymouth, Sharon Holloway, said: "Most long-distance services will continue to run – trains between Exeter and London, Cardiff, and the North will operate as normal, and Plymouth to Penzance services are unaffected.
"Local services between Exeter and Totnes or Paignton will also run on most days, except the weekend of 28 February to 1 March when we'll have a limited timetable.
"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."
CrossCountry’s Regional Director, Bethan Jelfs, said: “We are grateful for our passengers’ patience while Network Rail complete this important work in Devon.
“We are asking passengers to check their journeys carefully, including where trains are being replaced by road services when the lines are closed.”
Parking at both Tiverton Parkway and Totnes stations will be significantly reduced during this time and the car parks will also be extra busy.
Separate track maintenance work will also mean buses replace trains between Liskeard and Looe from Monday 23 February to Friday 6 March. With the railway temporarily closed, work will also take place in other areas to: Finish resurfacing the Plymouth-bound platform at Totnes station– first section took place March 2025, complete track and drainage maintenance, carry out vegetation management, replace 400 metres of rail near Newton Abbot, replace a track crossing near Ivybridge and complete surveys as part of preliminary work to upgrade the signalling system in the area.
There's more details about timetable changes here