Rail line closed due to stormy weather
The main railway line to Plymouth and Cornwall is expected to be closed until at least midday today after being closed last night due to severe weather warnings.
In a statement yesterday afternoon, Network Rail said: “Until sea levels fall and the railway line can be inspected in daylight, Network Rail is closing the line between Newton Abbot and Exeter from the start of service on Wednesday 7 November following a Met Office weather warning.
“The last GWR train on the sea wall will be the Night Riviera Sleeper service Tuesday 5 November 23:45 London Pad- dington to Penzance. The line is expected to be closed until at least midday, Wednesday 7 November.
“From the start of service, GWR and CrossCountry will be unable to operate a train service through Dawlish, until the line is reopened.
“GWR will continue to operate trains between London Paddington and Exeter St Davids, and between Newton Abbot, Plymouth and Penzance, however some early morning services may be cancelled at short notice or delayed. Customers should check before they travel for the very latest information.
“A rail replacement bus service will operate between intermediate stations not served by rail and journey times are expected to be extended by up to an hour, depending on road conditions.
“The anticipated heavy rain and high winds may also impact the rail services that GWR is able to operate, potentially leading to longer journey times and further short notice cancellations.
“Those with tickets to travel on Wednesday 7 November will be able to use them to travel on Thursday 8 November, and customers who choose not to travel will be entitled to a refund.”