Delays and cancellations to GWR services after a lorry collided with a bridge between Plymouth and Totnes today (Tuesday 31 August) have prompted calls for a 'more resilient' rail network in the South West.

Train services between the two stations may be delayed or cancelled and just one of the two lines remains open. Due to the extent of the damage to the bridge, the delays are reportedly expected to continue until the end of Friday 3 September.

Great Western Railway is advising customers that a limited train service between Plymouth and Newton Abbot will be 'much busier than normal', and that other services on the line may be altered.

In response to just one railway line remaining open, Luke Pollard MP for Plymouth Sutton & Devonport said on Twitter: "We have a single, precarious and slow rail line in and out of the South West.

"Whether due to storms at Dawlish washing away the track or lorry drivers smashing into bridges, we need a more resilient and faster railway for the South West."

A 2014 storm destroyed the sea wall in Dawlish and damaged the railway, cutting off rail access to the South West towards Cornwall.

For further updates on the situation, click here to go to the JourneyCheck section of the GWR website.

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