Following last month’s storms and subsequent heavy rainfall, water levels remain high, causing disruptions to services in Barnstaple.

Depending on weather conditions, services will be reinstated to Copplestone today (19th February), with a limited service running between Exeter Central and Copplestone.

Services to Barnstaple will remain suspended until the 24th February, at the earliest.

It remains closed until water levels have reduced enough to allow specialist divers to assess structures along the route.

There are divers ready to inspect as soon as the water levels drop to ensure the line can be opened as soon as possible.

Additionally, Network Rail is trialling technology at one of the bridges, which will provide insight into water levels and flow speed at both the surface and riverbed level.

This technology could reduce the need for diver inspections in the future, thus reducing closures due to flooding.

Journeys can be checked online.

“We’re really sorry for the continued disruption following the various storms which have impacted the railway.

“The impact of the initial storms, combined with sustained heavy rainfall over the past three weeks, has slowed progress on stretches where the railway crosses swollen rivers and these will remain closed until they can be inspected below the water line. At present, water levels and flow rates mean it is not safe for our specialist divers to enter the water.

“With a further Met Office weather warning for heavy rain in place across Devon and Cornwall this evening, we will reassess conditions at the remaining sites first thing on Thursday morning.

“We encourage customers to continue checking gwr.com for the latest information and travel advice.”

Daryn McCombe, joint route control lead for Network Rail and GWR