Network Rail has vowed to maintain disruption to passengers to a minimum because it carries out vital improvement work at the Tarka line between Exeter and Barnstaple during March.
Two short closures was agreed to enhance the rail infrastructure at the popular line, avoiding the busy Easter weekend which sees large numbers of folks – including many tourists – travelling by train.
The first closure will appear between Crediton and Barnstaple, with the road closing at 11pm on Sunday 10 March and, reopening at 3pm on Wednesday 13 March. This can be for track relaying and bridge improvement works near Lapford, and for other works near Umberleigh.
During this time, train operator First Great Western will operate train services between Exeter and Crediton, with a bus replacement service serving all stations north of Crediton, through to Barnstaple.
The second closure occurs over the weekend of Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March. In this time, buses will replace trains between Barnstaple and Exeter, as Network Rail’s engineers undertake further track renewals inside the Umberleigh area and other essential maintenance along the road.
Tim Maddocks, Network Rail customer support manager for the West Country, said: “Working with First Great Western, we’ve been ready to plan this vital work in a manner that avoids the busy Easter weekend.
“We wish to thank passengers for his or her patience while we complete these essential improvement works to make the Tarka line safer, smoother and more reliable.“