Rail lines between Plymouth and Exeter shut this weekend
New digital signalling equipment is to be installed.
Last updated 18th Mar 2024
Rail lines between Exeter St Davids and Plymouth are closed this weekend.
It's for the installation of new digital signalling equipment, which Network Rail says is less prone to failure. The equipment is already in place in Cornwall - though there was a failure there on Friday morning which caused delays.
Replacement buses will be operating this weekend.
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.
“In addition, when trains are running to or from Totnes, all train services will use Platform 2 – the London-bound platform.
“This means that customers will need to use the footbridge or lifts for replacement buses, which will pick-up or drop-off alongside Platform 1.
“These alternative travel arrangements will make journey times longer, so please check before you travel during these dates.”
Network Rail sponsor Paul Collyer 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.
“The new technology will improve reliability in the region and unlock future development of the railway in the area, including the new Mid Cornwall Metro scheme."