Storm Ingrid damage forces closure of Devon railway line
BBC/Johnny RutherfordThe only railway line in south-west England has been partially closed until further notice after the seawall next to it collapsed in a storm.
Great Western Railway (GWR) has appealed to passengers not to attempt travel on the line between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot due to damage at Dawlish.
The sea wall protecting the railway line in the district collapsed in two places. Storm Ingrid hit the south Devon coast on Saturday.
There was Network Rail black alert issuedHighest alert as 12 ft (4 m) waves pound the seawall.
Network RailIn nearby Teignmouth, part of a Victorian pier was washed away as the seashore was battered by waves.
The owners of Teignmouth Pier said it was a “terrible night”, while the town’s mayor said it was a “sad” sight.
“It has survived many weather conditions and world wars,” Mayor Cate Williams said.
Residents said houses in the seaside village of Torpoint were also damaged by “full waves”.
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said: Rescued delivery driver He was trapped in his van in nearly 0.6 meters of flood water near Liskeard.
Allie OldhamGWR spokesman James Davis told BBC Radio Devon that the storm had left “significant debris” along a 2 mile stretch of the Dawlish track.
He said about half was cleared on Saturday, but the rest still had to be taken away and inspected before the line reopened.
“Hopefully we will have that option today but at the moment this line will remain closed until Network Rail completes the repair work,” he said.
Richard HeironDavis said the firm was “cautiously optimistic” that part of the line could reopen to operate a limited service, but warned of significant disruption.
“It really depends on what Network Rail finds when they inspect that line,” he said.
“If you are traveling further afield, a limited number of bus replacement services are available.
“There are too many buses to cope with the same numbers.
“These buses are not available in the country to provide similar services.
“Really think about whether your trip is necessary.”
