Disruption to train services to and from Cornwall after lorry hits bridge

There is a limited number of services operating

Author: Sarah YeomanPublished 31st Aug 2021

A lorry has hit a railway bridge and is causing disruption to train services in and out of Cornwall.

The collision happened between Plymouth and Totnes on Bank Holiday Monday.

The structure of the bridge has been damaged and engineers are carrying out inspections.

It means there are a limited number of trains running in the area. Great Western Railway and Cross Country services are both affected.

A Great Western Railway spokesperson said: "A lorry has collided with a railway bridge in Plymouth, causing damage to the bridge structure. The bridge has been examined by structural engineers and further inspections are needed during daylight hours on Tuesday 31 August.

"Only one of the 2 running lines is currently open and 1 train per hour in each direction can operate until further notice. Due to the damage sustained, there is a high likelihood that disruption will continue for longer."

A spokesperson for Inrix Traffic and Travel said: "Limited supplementary bus service running between Plymouth and Exeter St Davids, and between Plymouth and Tiverton Parkway and reduced hourly service on Great Western Railway and CrossCountry between Plymouth and Totnes due to road vehicle hitting a bridge. Tickets accepted on local buses and South Western Railway services.

"A single line has now opened but only one train per hour will run in both directions. Passengers are advised to only travel if necessary. Mutual ticket acceptance is in place between CrossCountry and Great Western."

Customer Advice

A limited train service will be running between Plymouth and Newton Abbot and you are still advised not to travel between these stations.

Train services are running between Plymouth and Penzance, between Exmouth, Exeter St Davids and Paignton, as well as between Exeter St Davids and London Paddington, although these services are subject to alteration.

Replacement road transport

Extremely limited replacement road transport has been sourced to run between Exeter St Davids and Plymouth. Passengers are advised not to travel between these stations.

Tickets and refunds

If you are affected by this disruption, you are able to claim compensation for delays of 15 minutes or more. Find out more about claiming a refund or rebooking your journey.

Tickets dated for Monday 30 August, can be instead be used for travel on either Tuesday 31 August or Wednesday 01 September.

Where services can operate, they are expected to be busier than normal. Please check before you travel to get the latest updates.

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