Media centre

Tuesday 24 Jan 2006

ENGINEERING WORKS ON DEVON & CORNWALL BRANCH LINES

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Further major track maintenance and renewals will be taking place across Devon and Cornwall’s branch lines over the coming months as part of Network Rail’s commitment to provide a safe and reliable railway. Work commences on Monday 30 January on the Exmouth branch line (Avocet Line) for five days, including replacing rails and sleepers and essential maintenance at key sites along the route.  The line will be closed between Topsham and Exmouth from Monday 30 January until Friday 3 February, with replacement bus services running (trains will continue to run between Exeter and Topsham). Tim Maddocks, Network Rail’s Customer Service Manager for the West Country, said: “Throughout Autumn we successfully completed maintenance and renewals works along a number of the branch lines throughout Devon and Cornwall.  We are now taking the opportunity to complete our annual programme in the up and coming months. “These engineering works are part of our commitment to provide a safe and reliable railway for the benefit of rail passengers travelling throughout the region and we will do our utmost to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum.” Further line closures scheduled include (Monday – Friday):

• Paignton branch (Riviera Line)                       20 – 24 February
• Barnstaple branch (Tarka Line)                      27 February – 3 March

6 – 10 March

• Newquay branch (Atlantic Coast Line)           13 – 17 March

20 – 24 March

• Looe branch (Looe Valley Line)                      27 – 31 March

3 – 7 April

• Gunnislake branch (Tamar Valley Line)         1 – 5 May

8 – 12 May

• Falmouth branch (Maritime Line)                    15 – 10 May

22 – 26 May 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.