Tarka Line could be ‘closed for several days’ after storms bring flooding

The Tarka Line from Barnstaple to Exeter is closed today (Wednesday, January 28) due to flooding from the recent heavy rain.

Great Western Railway (GWR) has said the closure could last several days and has not given a date for restarting services at this time.

The company said due to poor road conditions it was not possible to provide a replacement bus service at this time either, though buses will be provided where possible if conditions improve.

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Other GWR lines in the South West affected include Exeter St Davids to Okehampton (via Crediton), Liskeard to Looe and Par to Newquay.

Services will continue to run between London and Taunton/Exeter St Davids, and Newton Abbot and Penzance.

Buses will run between Taunton/Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot, and between Taunton/Exeter St Davids and Plymouth and Tiverton Parkway.

The Night Riviera Sleeper service will not run in either direction between Paddington and Penzance this evening, but will resume tomorrow (Thursday, January 29).

Marcus Jones, Network Rail’s Western route director, said: “Intense rainfall over the past few days has caused significant flooding across parts of Devon and Cornwall and we’ve had to close four branch lines in the region as a result. Flooding in the Hele area of Devon means the main line between Taunton and Exeter St Davids is also closed. We’re really sorry for the disruption this is causing for passengers.

“Our teams are on the ground around the clock, working as quickly as we safely can to assess the impact of the flooding. Once the water recedes, we’ll need to carry out safety inspections before the lines can reopen.

“Given the scale of the flooding, disruption is expected for the next few days on the branch lines. Our teams will prioritise reopening the main line between Taunton and Exeter St Davids as soon as they are able to do so. Please continue to check before travelling for the latest updates.”

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GWR has asked passengers to check their journey before attempting to travel, online at https://www.gwr.com/travel-information/travel-updates/check-your-journey

There will be full information on all lines affected and details on replacement transport where provided. Limited replacement bus services and ticket acceptance on local bus routes, is in place on some routes, but GWR said buses are expected to be in demand.

Rail tickets for travel on Tuesday, January 27 can be used to travel up to and including Thursday, January 29, or you can claim a full refund at https://gwr.com/help-and-support/refunds-and-compensation