Railway line reopens after bridge defect repaired

Network Rail said the Gunnislake branch line was reopened a day earlier than planned

The railway line that runs between Plymouth and Gunnislake has reopened, officials have said.

Network Rail said the Gunnislake branch line reopened on Thursday, a "day earlier than planned", after repairs to a structural defect and track issue found on a bridge between Calstock and Gunnislake during a routine inspection.

It said the team worked "around the clock" to complete the repairs, which involved laying bespoke timber deck onto the steel structure of the bridge and lifting the track to allow access.

Network Rail said train services between Calstock and Gunnislake has been suspended for two weeks while the work was carried out.

It also said while trains were not running because of the closure, the teams used the opportunity to carry out maintenance on the line.

Chris Fuoco, Network Rail's director for Devon and Cornwall, said they were pleased to reopen the Gunnislake branch line "ahead of schedule".

"I'd like to thank passengers for their patience while the line was closed, as well as our train operator colleagues for their support," he said.