Media centre

Sunday 9 Feb 2014

Media Update: trains running to Exeter again

Region & Route:

National

• Landslip site at Crewkerne open to trains at reduced speed
• Other lines at Bridgwater and Athelney remain blocked by flooding
• Work progresses at Dawlish
• Check before you travel warning for Thames Valley

Close inspection of a landslip site near Crewkerne, on the railway between Yeovil and Exeter, has revealed that it is safe to run trains at a reduced speed.

This has allowed a limited service to begin between Exeter and Waterloo this Sunday afternoon, with the first train departing Exeter at 12.25. Work is progressing to get diverted trains from the Westbury/Paddington line moving over the Yeovil route as soon as possible.

Elsewhere in Somerset, the routes from Bridgwater and Castle Cary are still under water caused by the flooded River Parrett and are being monitored by Network Rail engineers.

Meanwhile, work to protect the damaged sea wall site in Dawlish from the sea is going well in between high tides. A row of shipping containers is being put in place and filled with rubble to provide a breakwater, while concrete spraying has continued, in order to protect the vulnerable sub-soil.

Passengers intending to travel on routes through the Thames Valley tomorrow morning are advised to check before they travel, as flood warnings are in place for the region. For information on travel times and up-to-the-minute disruption check with your operator or at www.nationalrail.co.uk