Rail journeys in South Devon disrupted by engineering work

Great Western Railway (GWR) services in South Devon are set to face disruptions due to significant engineering works scheduled for this weekend and next week. 

The disruptions are attributed to signalling improvement work between Plymouth and Totnes, as well as track renewals between Exeter and Newton Abbot.

The planned works will affect train services between Exeter St David’s and Plymouth on Saturday, March 16, and Sunday, March 17. 

Additionally, disruptions will continue between Totnes and Plymouth from Monday, March 18, to Thursday, March 21.

During the weekend of March 16 and 17, the following arrangements will be in place:

• Trains will operate between London Paddington/Bristol Temple Meads and Exeter St David’s, as well as between Plymouth and Penzance, and Newton Abbot and Paignton.
• Replacement buses will be available between Tiverton Parkway/Exeter St David’s and Plymouth, and between Exeter St David’s and Newton Abbot.

From March 18 to 21, disruptions between Totnes and Plymouth will persist until 21:40 each day, with the following arrangements:

• Trains will run between London Paddington and Totnes until 21:40, then switch to London Paddington-Exeter St Davids service.
• Services between Exeter St Davids and Paignton will operate until 21:40, and then switch to Newton Abbot-Paignton.
• Additional trains will run between Exeter St Davids and Totnes until 21:40.
• Replacement buses will operate between Totnes and Plymouth, and between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot/Plymouth after 21:40. Non-stop replacement buses will run between Tiverton Parkway and Plymouth throughout the day.

Stephanie Chapman, GWR Station Manager for South Devon said: “These works form part of a programme of rail improvements and maintenance, helping to ensure that we can continue to provide consistent and reliable services. We advise anyone travelling to Plymouth or onwards to Cornwall to change at Tiverton Parkway for replacement buses running non-stop to Plymouth.”

Paul Collyer, Network Rail sponsor said: “This is the final chapter of our programme to bring a new system of signals to the region. There is never a good time to close the railway but we need to do this so our teams can work round the clock as safely and efficiently as possible. We’d like to thank our passengers for their patience and urge them to check before they travel.

Customers using Tiverton Parkway should be aware of reduced parking availability due to rail replacement services. Parking will be suspended at the front of the station from March 11 to 22, with some spaces also suspended in the main station car park.

Passengers are advised to stay informed about the latest updates by visiting GWR.com/SouthWestUpgrade