South Devon Rail Services Update: Engineering Works Affect GWR Routes

Engineering works will disrupt Great Western Railway services between Exeter, Totnes, and Plymouth this weekend and next week, with replacement buses and parking restrictions in place.

Travelers planning rail journeys in South Devon are set for disruptions due to significant engineering works affecting Great Western Railway (GWR) services. The planned works, focusing on signalling improvements between Plymouth and Totnes and track renewals between Exeter and Newton Abbot, will impact services on the weekend of March 16-17 and continue to affect routes from March 18-21.

During the weekend of March 16-17, trains will operate between London Paddington/Bristol Temple Meads and Exeter St David's, and between Plymouth and Penzance, as well as between Newton Abbot and Paignton. However, replacement bus services will be provided between Tiverton Parkway/Exeter St David’s and Plymouth, and between Exeter St David’s and Newton Abbot to accommodate travelers during the disruptions.

From March 18-21, train services between Totnes and Plymouth will be impacted until 9:40 PM. Trains will run as per the normal schedule between London Paddington and Totnes, and between Exeter St Davids and Paignton before 9:40 PM, with adjusted routes and additional replacement bus services thereafter.

Stephanie Chapman, GWR Station Manager for South Devon, emphasized the importance of the works for maintaining reliable service, advising passengers traveling to Plymouth or Cornwall to plan for longer journey times and to use replacement buses where necessary. Chapman also noted that all services to or from Totnes would use Platform 2, requiring passengers to utilize the footbridge or lifts for access to replacement buses.

Network Rail's sponsor for the project, Paul Collyer, highlighted that the upgrade is crucial for the introduction of new signal systems in the region, promising improved reliability and the future development of the railway, including the new Mid Cornwall Metro scheme.

Travelers using Tiverton Parkway and Castle Cary stations are advised to anticipate significant parking restrictions due to the rail replacement services and ongoing works. All parking at the front of Tiverton Parkway will be suspended from March 11-22, with additional parking suspensions in the main car park.

Passengers are strongly encouraged to check the latest travel information and make arrangements accordingly to mitigate the impact of these disruptions on their travel plans. For updates and more information, visit GWR.com/SouthWestUpgrade.