Two main train lines closed due to landslip

Date: 30/11/2012

A mud slide has caused two train lines linking Exeter and Plymouth to be closed with 13 other minor landslips having been reported.

More than 1,000 tonnes of mud spilled onto the track between Exeter and Newton Abbot at Teignmouth in a major landslip.

Network Rail was alerted to the issue when debris was reported on the track on Wednesday night and abseilers were sent to inspect the scene after it was deemed too dangerous for officials to investigate on foot.

A spokesperson said: "They established that the mud and slurry was still on the move and it was continuing to be of concern."

The company, which is in charge of the rail network's infrastructure, said that it hopes services will be able to return on Saturday despite more heavy rain forecast for the weekend.

13 flood warnings and 15 flood alerts remain in place in the West Country with many areas still saturated with ground water.

Once the mud, rubble and debris has been removed, trains are expected to run along the route at a reduced speed.

The spokesperson said: "We are working round the clock to restore normal services as quickly as possible."

The main route which links Exeter to the rest of the country has reopened, though it could be a fortnight before services are returned to normal.

Replacement buses are running between Exeter and Barnstaple, where flooding has also affected the line and a limited service is in operation between Exeter and Yeovil.

Scheduled work which was due to be carried out on the track in a number of locations has had to be suspended due to the weather.

Signalling and telecoms equipment at Cowley Bridge Junction between Exeter St Davids and Tiverton Parkway was damaged due to flooding, meaning engineers could not finish the work.

Some areas, such as the line between Crediton and Barnstaple have been closed since November 16th because of the flooding, but most of these closures are due to reopen on Monday.

Posted by Mary Treen

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