Trains to Exeter cancelled as severe weather forces road closures across Torbay

Rail services between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot have been suspended due to severe weather conditions brought by Storm Ingrid, with disruption also affecting roads and local bus services across Torbay.

Great Western Railway (GWR) and Network Rail confirmed the closure of the coastal rail route, citing the risk of sea water overtopping the Dawlish sea wall during high tide, along with debris on the tracks.

Heavy and persistent rain, combined with strong winds of up to 60mph in coastal areas, has increased the likelihood of waves breaching sea defences along the South Devon coast.

The rail line is closed from 8.30pm on Friday 24 January and is expected to remain shut until at least 2pm on Saturday 25 January, when safety inspections can be carried out. Disruption to services is likely to continue until around 4pm on Saturday, depending on conditions.

Passengers are being advised to check journeys before travelling and, where possible, to postpone travel until services return to normal.

Replacement travel

GWR has arranged replacement coach services for affected routes.

Passengers travelling to stations between Plymouth and Penzance are being advised to change at Tiverton Parkway for coaches to Plymouth. Those heading to stations between Teignmouth and Newton Abbot should change at Exeter St Davids for replacement coaches serving Dawlish, Dawlish Warren, Teignmouth and Newton Abbot.

Replacement coaches will operate from the front of stations until midday on Saturday. Train tickets are also being accepted on Stagecoach South West bus services 2, 7 and 12.

Torbay disruption

In Torbay, local bus services and road traffic have also been affected by the severe weather, with waves coming over the sea wall in exposed coastal areas.

Some bus routes are being diverted or subject to disruption as conditions change, while motorists are being rerouted away from affected seafront roads as a precaution. Traffic on Torbay Road into Torquay is among the key routes affected. 

A Paignton resident told the Torbay Weekly they faced significant delays travelling into Torquay on Friday morning, with a 50-minute journey followed by a 25-minute walk to Torquay Harbour after coastal conditions forced the Number 12 bus to be rerouted via Hamelin Way.

Bus operators have warned that while services are still planned to operate across the region, disruption is possible and service levels may change quickly depending on weather and road conditions.

Passengers are being advised to check live travel updates before setting off.

GWR said passengers delayed by 15 minutes or more may be eligible for compensation through its Delay Repay scheme and thanked customers for their understanding, stressing that safety remained the top priority during the severe weather.