Exeter to Okehampton railway line remains closed as Storm Austen hits Devon

Train services between Exeter St Davids and Okehampton remain suspended because of severe weather, with replacement buses running between the stations.

Great Western Railway (GWR) confirmed at 1.59pm on Friday, October 23, that the line remained closed and said it expected the disruption to continue for the immediate future.

A GWR spokesperson told The Moorlander: “We would expect that [the line closure] to be the case for the immediate future although we can update in due course/should that change,”

The disruption follows an amber weather warning for strong winds issued by the Met Office, with gusts potentially exceeding 80mph in coastal areas.

High winds increase the risk of trees and other debris falling onto railway lines.

Replacement buses are operating between Exeter St Davids, Okehampton Interchange and Okehampton in both directions.

However, passengers have been warned that road transport could also be delayed because of poor conditions.

Passengers travelling between Crediton and Okehampton are advised to travel via Exeter St Davids.

Those planning to travel are urged to check their journey before leaving and consider postponing it until services return to normal.

Passengers whose journeys are delayed by 15 minutes or more because of a GWR cancellation or delay may be eligible for compensation through Delay Repay.

For the latest information, visit the GWR live network updates page.