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Why are the lines being shut?
Network Rail needs to undertake regular maintenance and renewal works to the railway. This helps to keep our trains running and reduces the risk of disruption to your journey.
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What work is being done?
Most of the work being done will be track renewals. This will see jointed track replaced with continuous welded rail, providing a smoother journey for trains and reducing the maintenance required in the future.
Network Rail will also be extending both platforms at Eggesford to accommodate the full length of our trains. This will provide easier access to/from the train for customers using this station.
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Which services are affected?
All services that run to/from Barnstaple.
Main line trains and services which run between Exmouth and Paignton are not affected by this work.
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What days are replacement buses running?
Saturday 10 to Tuesday 13 April – Replacement buses run between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple.
Wednesday 14 to Sunday 18 April – Replacement buses run between Crediton and Barnstaple.
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When will trains run as normal?
Services will partly resume between St James’ Park and Crediton on Wednesday 14 April.
Train services across the whole of the Tarka line are due to return on Monday 19 April.
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I travel between Exeter and Crediton. Will I need to use a bus?
Only between Saturday 10 and Tuesday 13 April. Trains resume between Exeter and Crediton from Wednesday 14 April.
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I want to travel towards Taunton. Can I use Tiverton Parkway instead?
It depends on your ticket. Advance tickets must be used from the stations described on the ticket whilst flexible tickets (Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak) can be used from Tiverton Parkway at no additional cost. Parking charges at Tiverton Parkway apply as normal.
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What route will the replacement buses use?
All replacement buses will use the A377 which passes most of the stations on the Tarka Line, except for Yeoford.
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I’m travelling to/from Yeoford. What do I do?
Due to the narrow lanes around Yeoford, it is not possible to serve this station with our main buses. We will instead run a shuttle bus between Yeoford and Crediton.
If you’re looking to travel towards Barnstaple or Exeter, you will need to change at Crediton.
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How long do the buses take?
- Barnstaple to Exeter St Davids– 1 hour 35 minutes
- Barnstaple to Crediton – 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yeoford to Crediton – 15 minutes
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Will replacement bus times be different between the two phases?
When comparing the same days of the week (i.e. Saturday 10 and Saturday 17), bus times will be mostly the same between the first phase (10-13 April) and second phases (14-18 April).
There will still be differences in times when comparing timetables for different days of the week so please check carefully before travelling.
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I’ve been waiting for a replacement bus for while and nothing has arrived. What should I do?
- ensure you are waiting at the correct place. Some bus stops are located away from the station
- contact our Social Media team using Twitter (@GWRhelp) or Facebook Messenger (@gwruk) who can provide you with an update
- use the Help Point available at all our stations
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Where can I find timetable information?
Updated train times will be available at GWR.com from March. We will update this page when everything is ready.
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When can I book Advance tickets?
We expect Advance tickets will be available to purchase from March. We will update this page when everything is ready.