Train passengers to face disruption due to signal upgrade

Passengers are being urged to check before they travel ahead of Network Rail’s final phase of work to modernise signals in Devon and Cornwall and improve the resilience of the railway in the South West.

The final phase of works to the signalling network is due to resume  from Saturday 16 to Thursday 21 March.

Signals that have reached the end of their working life will be replaced with a new digital system. The system will improve the reliability and safety of the railway and new digital technology will allow for real-time information to be provided to passengers.

The work is the third stage of a major programme to transform how trains run in the region. Over the past few months, Network Rail’s contractor Siemens has installed new equipment and signals and laid new cabling over a combined 66 miles of railway. In this final phase of work, the new system will be brought into use and control moved to the regional signalling centre at Exeter, for Cornwall, and the Devon section to Plymouth.

GWR is asking passengers to check their journeys before travelling, with buses replacing trains on routes over these dates:

• Saturday 16 to Sunday 17 March – line closed between Exeter St Davids and Plymouth
• Monday 18 to Thursday 21 March – line closed between Totnes and Plymouth (extending to Exeter St Davids after 21:40 each night)

More information can be found at GWR.com/SouthWestUpgrade

Network Rail sponsor Paul Collyer said:  “This is the final chapter of our programme to bring a new system of signals to the region.

“There is never a good time to close the railway but we need to do this so our teams can work round the clock as safely and efficiently as possible. We’d like to thank our passengers for their patience and urge them to check before they travel.

GWR Station Manager for West Cornwall Sharon Holloway said:

“If you are travelling during the period, please check in advance at GWR.com, especially if you are travelling regularly, as replacement buses will be in operation, and your journey may be different on different days.

“Thank you in advance for your patience while Network Rail carry out this significant work.”