Bridge defect closes railway line in Cornwall

Network Rail said the closure of the line between Calstock and Gunnislake was expected to last for two weeks

The railway line which runs between Plymouth and Gunnislake has been partially closed, officials have said.

Network Rail said there was a "structural defect and track issue" on a bridge between Calstock and Gunnislake.

It said the partial closure was expected to last for two weeks with replacement buses running on the route.

The line was closed on Friday when Network Rail advised passengers that buses would replace trains between Plymouth and Gunnislake.

'Emergency repair work'

Network Rail said the structural defect and track issue was discovered on Friday morning following a "routine inspection".

Devon and Cornwall director Chris Fuoco apologised for the disruption and thanked passengers for their patience while it carried out the "vital repairs".

“We’re sorry for the disruption to journeys as a result of the emergency repair work," he said.

“We will continue to work with our train operator colleagues to keep people moving; passengers are advised to check before they travel."

He estimated the work would take a fortnight to complete.

Great Western Railway manager for Plymouth and East Cornwall Lee Goodson said alternative transport would be in place over the weekend but warned that the services would be busy.

He added: "From Monday, trains will run between Plymouth and Calstock, with rail replacement buses in operation between Calstock and Gunnislake. These will run as per the normal train timetable.”