Media centre

Friday 23 Sep 2005

ENGINEERING WORKS ON DEVON & CORNWALL BRANCH LINES

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

A major track maintenance and renewal project will take place across Devon and Cornwall’s railways over the coming months as part of Network Rail’s commitment to provide a safe and reliable railway. Work commences on Monday 3 October on the Gunnislake branch line for two weeks (excluding weekends), including replacing rails and sleepers, vegetation and ditch clearance, level crossing work and essential maintenance at key sites along the route.  The line will be closed between Gunnislake and St Budeaux Victoria Road from Monday 3 October until Friday 7 October and then Monday 10 October and Friday 14 October, with replacement bus services running. Tim Maddocks, Network Rail’s Customer Service Manager for the West Country, said: “This important engineering work is part of our commitment to provide a safe and reliable railway.  We will do our utmost to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum for rail travellers in Devon and Cornwall.” Further line closures scheduled include (Monday – Friday):

• Falmouth branch (Maritime Line)                    17 – 21 October

                                                                        24 – 28 October

• Paignton branch (Riviera Line)                       24 – 28 October
• Barnstaple branch (Tarka Line)                      31 October – 4 November

7 – 11 November

• Looe branch (Looe Valley Line)                      31 October – 4 November

7 – 11 November

• St Ives branch (St Ives Bay Line)                   14 – 18 November

21 – 25 November

• Newquay branch (Atlantic Coast Line)           5 – 9 December

12 – 16 December

• Topsham – Exmouth (Avocet Line)                30 January – 3 February 2006

  During these line closures, bus replacement services will be provided and details of these services will be available at stations.  Further information can also be obtained from National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950 and www.nationalrail.co.uk or from Wessex Trains at www.wessextrains.co.uk. Andrew Griffiths, Business Manager for Devon & Cornwall for Wessex Trains, said: "Naturally we regret any difficulties this may cause to our passengers, but this work really is vital to keep the branchlines in good condition for many years to come, and we fully support this vote of confidence from Network Rail in the Community Railways of Devon and Cornwall."