ALERT: Train disruption expected between Exeter and Newton Abbot due to severe weather

Train services between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot are facing disruption due to forecast severe weather, with possible line closures affecting coastal routes.

According to rail operators, the railway line between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot is likely to close from around 20:30pm on Friday, due to weather conditions expected to impact the Dawlish sea wall.

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The line is not expected to reopen until at least 14:00pm on Saturday, once safety inspections have been completed.

Services running through stations including Dawlish, Dawlish Warren and Teignmouth are expected to be revised. 

Disruption is currently forecast to continue until 4pm on Friday, 24 January.

What have GWR have told us so far?

A spokesperson for Great Western Railway said on their website:

“Due to severe forecasted weather that will affect the Dawlish sea wall, the lines between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot will probably close from 20:30 on Friday until the earliest 14:00 Saturday when the lines can be inspected.”

Rail replacement coaches are on standby at Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot. 

If the line closes, passengers travelling towards Newton Abbot and beyond will be required to change at Exeter St Davids and continue by coach, calling at Dawlish, Dawlish Warren, Teignmouth and Newton Abbot.

Passengers are being advised to complete journeys by 8pm on Friday, as trains may not be able to operate later in the evening.

Rail tickets will also be accepted on several Stagecoach South West bus services, including:

• Service 2 between Exeter, Dawlish, Teignmouth and Newton Abbot
• Service 7 between Exeter, Newton Abbot and Totnes
• Service 12 between Newton Abbot, Torquay and Paignton

Note for matchday travellers

This disruption is likely to be of interest to supporters travelling to Saturday’s 12.30pm Plymouth Argyle v Luton Town match at Home Park.

With rail services between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot expected to be suspended until at least 14:00pm on Saturday, fans travelling by train from parts of Devon, the South West and beyond may face delays or require replacement coaches.

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Supporters are advised to check travel arrangements in advance, allow extra time for their journey and consider alternative transport where possible.

Delay arrangements in place

Customers who are able to delay travel are being told that tickets dated for Friday or Saturday will be valid on Sunday, 25 January.

Passengers already travelling will be supported by station staff, and rail operators say they will arrange onward travel if disruption causes people to miss their last train.

Anyone delayed by 15 minutes or more due to cancellations or delays may be eligible for Delay Repay compensation.

Travellers are advised to check live updates before setting off.