‘Flooding’ halts trains for days

The white marker is the flood alert level - photo courtesy of Network Rail

The same bridge parapet underwater - photo courtesy of Network Rail

Trains between Barnstaple and Exeter are suspended for more than four days after sustained heavy rain triggered flood safety monitors along the Tarka Line.

James Crook from Network Rail said, “Our remote monitoring equipment found water had reached the closure markers at three bridges/viaducts on the route, hence why we had to close the line.”

“In order to reopen the line, we need to get a team of specialist divers to inspect the lower part of the structures affected to ensure they haven’t been affected by scour. In order to do that, the water has to recede below these closure markers.”

The first trains were cancelled around 4pm on Wednesday, November 12th with GWR saying that services are currently expected to resume on the morning of Monday, November 17th.

Passengers are having to use bus and taxi services and are advised to check the latest situation before travelling.