Plymouth travel warning ahead of major works

Network Rail workers
-Credit: (Image: National Rail)


Rail disruption is expected for five days in the west of Plymouth as upgrades take place next month, Great Western Railway said. The rail improvement works are taking place in the Devonport area.

Network Rail plans to renew track, which will affect all train services to or from Cornwall from Monday, December 2 to Friday, December 6:

  • No train services can operate between Plymouth and Liskeard/Gunnislake

  • Replacement buses are planned to run instead between Plymouth and St Austell, plus between Plymouth and Liskeard or Gunnislake

  • Valid rail tickets will also be accepted on local buses in the Plymouth area

  • Trains will still run between Liskeard and Penzance, as well as on Cornish branch lines

GWR’s Station Manager for Plymouth and East Cornwall, Lee Goodson, said: “This work forms part of an ongoing programme of maintenance, helping to ensure we can continue to provide consistent and reliable services. During these dates, trains will still run between Plymouth and London, Cardiff or the north, but replacement buses will run west of Plymouth.

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“Buses will run between Plymouth and St Austell non-stop, between Plymouth and Liskeard stopping at all stations except Menheniot, plus between Liskeard and Menheniot. Other vehicles will be running between Plymouth and Calstock via Gunnislake, as well as between Plymouth and Bere Ferrers via Bere Alston.

“As an alternative, customers can also use their rail ticket to travel on the number 11 Go Ahead bus between Plymouth and Liskeard instead. It’s important customers are aware that these alternative travel arrangements will make journey times much longer, so please plan ahead.”

Network Rail’s lead portfolio manager, Mark Morrison, said: “We’re grateful for people’s patience during this period, while we work on the railway. Passengers are advised to check before travelling as alternative transport will be available.

“It’s vital that these renewals and repairs are completed as they’re essential maintenance to ensure the continued safe and reliable running of train services for years to come.”

For the latest information, visit GWR.com/Upgrade