Barnstaple line closed by flooding

[Snow1964]

Services between Exeter and Barnstaple have been suspended
Seems Network Rail detectors have been triggered

Exeter-Oakhampton is running.

Why do they need to close whole line, is there no turn backs facility in signalling these days (not like they need loco run round loops these days).

Ok it has rained but North Devon, but with its moors gets fair bit of rain, so wonder what has gone wrong.

Due to heavy rain flooding the railway between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple the line is closed.
Impact:
Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice:
Due to flooding we are currently unable to run any trains on the Barnstaple branch line; this affects services between Crediton and Barnstaple (Currently Exeter St Davids to Okehampton services are running).
Network Rails remote monitoring equipment detected water exceeding the threshold for closure at three bridges and viaducts, triggering an automatic closure for the safety of all customers.
The safety of customers is our top priority and Network Rail will need to deploy specialist diving teams to inspect the affected structures once water levels recede before services can safely resume.
We will restore the service as soon as it is safe to do so but with heavy rain expected on Friday the closure could continue for several days. We will provide additional updates as we receive more information.
We would urge customers to only travel if necessary whilst the line is closed, and to check before travelling at GWR.com.
-
What are my options:
Limited rail replacement road transport is now in place. Coaches and taxis will shuttle between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple until further notice. Please see station staff for more information.
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For any passengers at any intermediate stations, please use the help point and road transport will be arranged.
Please use journey planners to see which trains will call additionally at Newton St Cyres request stop.
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Alternatively, You may use your ticket, at no extra cost, on the following local bus services between Exeter and Barnstaple:
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Stagecoach South West route:
>5B - Exeter (Bus Station, approximately 13 minutes by foot from Exeter Central train station and 24 minutes by foot from Exeter St Davids train station), Crediton (directly opposite train station), Copplestone (approximately 10 minutes by foot from the train station), Morchard Road (approximately 5 minutes by foot from the train station), Barnstaple (directly opposite the train station)
Journey time on bus route 5B between Exeter bus station and Barnstaple is approximately 2 hours, 20 minutes
Bus service 5B runs up to seven times a day
See https://www.stagecoachbus.com/route...-bus-station-crediton-or-chulmleigh/XDAO005.O for more information.
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We're sorry for the delay to your journey.
We will update this message with more information when we have it.

Live Train Times and Journey Updates | Great Western Railway

See the Great Western Railway TrainTracker for live departure times and up-to-the-minute train journey updates.

www.gwr.com

I have looked at Flood alerts for the area, Lapford, Crediton, Barnstaple etc and not one even has a be aware warning, and none have more serious flood warning. So anyone know what has flooded that needs specialist divers

Lapford, Crediton, Devon - flood alerts and warnings - GOV.UK

Check your risk of flooding. View the latest flood warnings and alerts, get a flood forecast for the next 5 days, and check the latest river, sea, groundwater and rainfall levels.

check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk

 

[800Travel]

Services between Exeter and Barnstaple have been suspended
Seems Network Rail detectors have been triggered

Exeter-Oakhampton is running.

Why do they need to close whole line, is there no turn backs facility in signalling these days (not like they need loco run round loops these days).

Ok it has rained but North Devon, but with its moors gets fair bit of rain, so wonder what has gone wrong.

Live Train Times and Journey Updates | Great Western Railway

See the Great Western Railway TrainTracker for live departure times and up-to-the-minute train journey updates.

www.gwr.com

That's kind of cool that Network Rail has divers. I guess it makes sense, but would've never imagined it!

 

[pdeaves]

Why do they need to close whole line, is there no turn backs facility in signalling these days (not like they need loco run round loops these days).

Well, the text says there's at least three problem sites. Depending on exactly where they are (I don't know), it could well be that there's no way to reach any sensible turnback point.

 

[millemille]

That's kind of cool that Network Rail has divers. I guess it makes sense, but would've never imagined it!

I was chatting to guy on the Network Rail stand at Rail Live a few years ago who turned out to be employed by Network Rail as a falconer.

 

[DelW]

Presumably concern about possible scour at bridge foundations, which would be triggered by high river level and speed of flow. It wouldn't necessarily involve rivers overtopping their banks although that might occur as well.

 

[father_jack]

I'm hearing that NR are going to wait for Friday's anticipated heavy rain to pass before making any efforts to open the line.

 

[YorkshireBear]

Services between Exeter and Barnstaple have been suspended
Seems Network Rail detectors have been triggered

Exeter-Oakhampton is running.

Why do they need to close whole line, is there no turn backs facility in signalling these days (not like they need loco run round loops these days).

Ok it has rained but North Devon, but with its moors gets fair bit of rain, so wonder what has gone wrong.

Live Train Times and Journey Updates | Great Western Railway

See the Great Western Railway TrainTracker for live departure times and up-to-the-minute train journey updates.

www.gwr.com

I have looked at Flood alerts for the area, Lapford, Crediton, Barnstaple etc and not one even has a be aware warning, and none have more serious flood warning. So anyone know what has flooded that needs specialist divers

Lapford, Crediton, Devon - flood alerts and warnings - GOV.UK

Check your risk of flooding. View the latest flood warnings and alerts, get a flood forecast for the next 5 days, and check the latest river, sea, groundwater and rainfall levels.

check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk

River flooding isn't the same as infrastructure flooding. Low lying cuttings which sit below the general land collect water during heavy rain but would never feature on flood alerts.

Very often surface water (pluvial) flooding doesn't get a flood alert, they are mostly for river (fluvial) flooding.

 

[Snow1964]

River flooding isn't the same as infrastructure flooding. Low lying cuttings which sit below the general land collect water during heavy rain but would never feature on flood alerts.

Yes, but after 150 years would have thought there is some form of drainage attenuation sump for known hollows, and a pumping system to remove excess water. No one would leave a line vulnerable routinely for a few weeks each autumn.

As there hasn't been any excess rain yet, is it poorly maintained blocked drains or unrepaired broken pumps, or unrepaired previous scouring. It feels like Network Rail is being very selective with detail of where and why, perhaps they don't want to admit to having not fixed something.

 

[pdeaves]

Yes, but after 150 years would have thought there is some form of drainage attenuation sump for known hollows, and a pumping system to remove excess water. No one would leave a line vulnerable routinely for a few weeks each autumn.

As there hasn't been any excess rain yet, is it poorly maintained blocked drains or unrepaired broken pumps, or unrepaired previous scouring. It feels like Network Rail is being very selective with detail of where and why, perhaps they don't want to admit to having not fixed something.

(As I understand it) The news release/alert in the original post is poorly phrased. It's not flooding that any number of drains will help. It's ridiculously high river levels at some bridges that are the problem. River levels that rise because of rain elsewhere.

 

[YorkshireBear]

Yes, but after 150 years would have thought there is some form of drainage attenuation sump for known hollows, and a pumping system to remove excess water. No one would leave a line vulnerable routinely for a few weeks each autumn.

As there hasn't been any excess rain yet, is it poorly maintained blocked drains or unrepaired broken pumps, or unrepaired previous scouring. It feels like Network Rail is being very selective with detail of where and why, perhaps they don't want to admit to having not fixed something.

In a world with unlimited money im sure that would be the case. But there are so many things that affect flooding. A farmer may have changed their land use dramatically increasing run off directly into a cutting. A forest may have been cleared increasing run off and soil erosion blocking pipes. A third party drain could have blocked and Overland flow routes changed. A network rail drain could have collapsed between inspections. A network rail drain could be long term collapsed but not sufficient funding to replace when the GWML has flooding issues to be sorted. Fly tipping could have blocked a highways gulley and caused flooding. A new housing estate could have been built with ponds adjacent to railway that aren't up to scratch. These are all examples I have come across numerous times over the years. And you'll note for many of them, network rail won't even be aware until it's happened.

The cost of a pumping station is not insignificant either, especially as ongoing opex which we know is considered a bad thing generally.

The UK Flood forecasting centre predicted potential flooding in the south west today, so you might say it's not excess rain but the folks who look at rainfall and ground saturation felt differently. They predict on a regional level so won't have said this rail line here will flood.

I doubt there is a conspiracy, they provide information for passengers not interested folk like us.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Nov 2025 ==

(As I understand it) The news release/alert in the original post is poorly phrased. It's not flooding that any number of drains will help. It's ridiculously high river levels at some bridges that are the problem. River levels that rise because of rain elsewhere.

And bridge scout is taken very seriously. Has caused a lot of problems and deaths over the years.

 

[Benjwri]

As there hasn't been any excess rain yet

The river Taw level saw a massive spike yesterday, exceeding its normal level and rising by nearly a meter in 6 hours. That’s a pretty strong indicator that a lot of water has appeared very quickly. You can view river level data here.

 

[bangor-toad]

And bridge scout is taken very seriously. Has caused a lot of problems and deaths over the years.

This is so true.

The incident many will remember is the closure of Lamington viaduct in 2015. That was caused by scour.
See RAIB Report

Sadly the 1987 collapse of the River Towy at Glanrhyd bridge over the river Towy cost four lives. This was due to scour.
See Rail Accident Report (pdf)
Pictures of the incident were widely reported: South Wales Guardian report

I can certainly understand why NR will be cautious with the river levels, and presumably flow, increasing as they have.
Mr Toad

 

[sheff1]

See they state that the 5B bus departs from Exeter Bus Station 24 mins walk from St Davids train{sic} station.
As they are seemingly running rail replacement road services from St Davids it makes sense to direct passsengers to use those, so why mention the walk to the bus station. Especially as the 5B bus stops right outside St Davids station on it's way to Barnstaple anyway so anyone who did prefer to catch that for some reason would not need to walk (up a fairly steep hill) to the bus station.

 

[Deepgreen]

That's kind of cool that Network Rail has divers. I guess it makes sense, but would've never imagined it!

It may be that they don't employ divers but hire them in as required. I can't imagine they have them sitting around for weeks on end. Now - specialist dRivers, maybe...

 

[Benjwri]

See they state that the 5B bus departs from Exeter Bus Station 24 mins walk from St Davids train{sic} station.
As they are seemingly running rail replacement road services from St Davids it makes sense to direct passsengers to use those, so why mention the walk to the bus station. Especially as the 5B bus stops right outside St Davids station on it's way to Barnstaple anyway so anyone who did prefer to catch that for some reason would not need to walk (up a fairly steep hill) to the bus station.

They're simply stating the points you can use it between. There are likely a decent amount of people that start their journey in Exeter itself and might decide to just take that bus from the bus station.

 

[sheff1]

They're simply stating the points you can use it between.

Are they ? Is acceptance of rail tickets on the 5B not in place for boarding at St Davids ?

 

[JUMOUK]

The river Taw level saw a massive spike yesterday, exceeding its normal level and rising by nearly a meter in 6 hours. That’s a pretty strong indicator that a lot of water has appeared very quickly. You can view river level data here.
View attachment 192200

Multiple rainfall gauges in the surrounding area have seen in excess of 25mm of rain since monday, most of that coming in pretty heavy bursts all at once, so its no suprise rivers are peaking fast and therefore with higher than usual flows. I expect the bridge scour explanation is the correct one, but I dont recall seeing such long closures in this area before, being a local, but then I might just be ignorant!

 

[Benjwri]

Are they ? Is acceptance of rail tickets on the 5B not in place for boarding at St Davids ?

To quote NRE:

You may use your ticket, at no extra cost, on Stagecoach South West on the following routes:

[...]

• Route 5B between Exeter bus station and Barnstaple. (please note the journey time is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes)

That seems pretty definitive to me that you can use your ticket on that bus journey between the bus station and Barnstaple. St David's is between the two, so you can use it for that, and to/from intermediate points.

 

[Snow1964]

Suspension of the line is now extended, and disruption expected until end of day Sunday (per National Rail disruptions) or 2am on Monday 17th (per GWR webpage)

Due to heavy rain flooding the railway between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple the line is closed.
Impact:
Train services running to and from these stations have been cancelled. Disruption is expected until 02:00 17/11.
Customer Advice:
What has happened?
-
Due to flooding we are currently unable to run any trains on the Barnstaple line; this affects services between Crediton and Barnstaple (Exeter Central/Exeter St David's to Okehampton services are running).
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Network Rail's remote monitoring equipment detected water levels exceeding the threshold for closure at three bridges and viaducts, triggering an automatic closure for the safety of all customers.

Live Train Times and Journey Updates | Great Western Railway

See the Great Western Railway TrainTracker for live departure times and up-to-the-minute train journey updates.

www.gwr.com

 

[JUMOUK]

Suspension of the line is now extended, and disruption expected until end of day Sunday (per National Rail disruptions) or 2am on Monday 17th (per GWR webpage)

Have they done this before for this line or is this new? I wonder if inspections recently turned up anything nasty around some bridges ect

 

[Snow1964]

Have they done this before for this line or is this new? I wonder if inspections recently turned up anything nasty around some bridges ect

There has to be a reason why remote water level equipment was installed in places along the trackbed. They don't just buy a few at random dates and install multiple detectors in a similar area.

The comment that specialist divers are needed suggests it it where something is flowing, scrubbing or scouring a structure, not just a big puddle over the trackbed that soaks away few hours later, or a stream that Network Rail inspectors can stand in whilst wearing wellies or waders.

I have heard the line was already scheduled to get a 9 day closure 21-29 March 2026, but I don't know if any works were related to bridge piers, drainage or flood protection. Possibly someone will know what is planned.

 

[21C101]

There has to be a reason why remote water level equipment was installed in places along the trackbed. They don't just buy a few at random dates and install multiple detectors in a similar area.

The comment that specialist divers are needed suggests it it where something is flowing, scrubbing or scouring a structure, not just a big puddle over the trackbed that soaks away few hours later, or a stream that Network Rail inspectors can stand in whilst wearing wellies or waders.

I have heard the line was already scheduled to get a 9 day closure 21-29 March 2026, but I don't know if any works were related to bridge piers, drainage or flood protection. Possibly someone will know what is planned.

It is odd, the local publically viewable river gauge has below its typical "high" level throughout this closure, and there isn't a single flood alert, let alone warning in North Devon currently.

This, along with the installation of remote monitoring (which is apparently quite recent) does make you wonder if there is an issue with a structure?

 

[Bow Fell]

The fact that there are 2 x 150’s stranded at Barnstaple, suggests this was a very sudden closure brought upon on an alert via remote equipment. The units obviously made it up there and any flooding issues would have been reported by the traincrew. This is obviously that can’t be “seen” if that makes sense.

 

[DelW]

The fact that there are 2 x 150’s stranded at Barnstaple, suggests this was a very sudden closure brought upon on an alert via remote equipment. The units obviously made it up there and any flooding issues would have been reported by the traincrew. This is obviously that can’t be “seen” if that makes sense.

The NR statement includes the sentence:

"Network Rail will need to deploy specialist diving teams to inspect the affected structures once water levels recede"

which indicates that the source of the concern isn't currently visible, and still won't be visible even when river levels drop. I think this most likely means that there are worries about scour below an abutment or pier.

 

[Clarence Yard]

There has to be a reason why remote water level equipment was installed in places along the trackbed. They don't just buy a few at random dates and install multiple detectors in a similar area.

The comment that specialist divers are needed suggests it it where something is flowing, scrubbing or scouring a structure, not just a big puddle over the trackbed that soaks away few hours later, or a stream that Network Rail inspectors can stand in whilst wearing wellies or waders.

I have heard the line was already scheduled to get a 9 day closure 21-29 March 2026, but I don't know if any works were related to bridge piers, drainage or flood protection. Possibly someone will know what is planned.

As has been explained before, these are water height detectors fitted to bridges over rivers. Once the alarms have gone off, it is job stopped until the water levels have dropped to a safe level and the divers then go in to examine the structure.

 

[JUMOUK]

The fact that there are 2 x 150’s stranded at Barnstaple, suggests this was a very sudden closure brought upon on an alert via remote equipment. The units obviously made it up there and any flooding issues would have been reported by the traincrew. This is obviously that can’t be “seen” if that makes sense.

I've had a look at google earth imagery of some of the bridges along the Tarka line and id put a good guess at this one here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/vtU65ybepUSLuz1q6) being the problem, it looks like at some point in the past 2 years the bridge supports have been shored up with riprap against the bridge supports. So that leads me to the conclusion that they are worried about erosion and scour in this area.

 

[21C101]

I've had a look at google earth imagery of some of the bridges along the Tarka line and id put a good guess at this one here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/vtU65ybepUSLuz1q6) being the problem, it looks like at some point in the past 2 years the bridge supports have been shored up with riprap against the bridge supports. So that leads me to the conclusion that they are worried about erosion and scour in this area. View attachment 192245

There is a photo of a marker on the bridge are concerned about released by Network Rail, link below.

Thing is that while the river levels have briefly got up to about 90% of the typical maxima, they are not at flooding point and still within what might be expected for typical autumn / winter wet weather.

If the threshold to shut the line is so low then it is going to shut without warning for days every time there is a decent amount of rain and be useless.

Either there is a flaky structure which the engineers are very worried about, the calibration of the detectors is flaky, someone is overreacting or there has been a cockup.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Nov 2025 ==

NR report

Passengers urged to check before travelling as services suspended on Barnstaple-Crediton line

Passengers planning to travel between Barnstaple and Crediton in the coming days are being urged to check before travelling as services on the line have been suspended owing to flooding.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Nov 2025 ==

PS - the bridge in question is apparently over the Yeo at Nymet near Lapford.

 

[JUMOUK]

Thing is that while the river levels have briefly got up to about 90% of the typical maxima, they are not at flooding point and still within what might be expected for typical autumn / winter wet weather.

If the threshold to shut the line is so low then it is going to shut without warning for days every time there is a decent amount of rain and be useless.

That’s the confusing bit to me as well, these levels are probably seen every week or so as we go deeper into winter, so are they just planning on running an absolutely gimped service until march?

The ground is hardly saturated yet as it would be later in winter, so further rainfall events will raise levels even higher

 

[yoyothehobo]

Scour is a different beast to flooding. I suspect there is potential for more than just river level at play here.

It is mostly influenced due to a change in velocity/energy and as river channels generally narrow under bridges the increase in velocity can cause scour to happen rapidly. All sorts of changes to river morphology can cause changes to how scour occurs and if the structure is identified at risk and is monitored and you were to ignore it and something were to happen you would be in a lot of trouble.

 

[Snow1964]

That’s the confusing bit to me as well, these levels are probably seen every week or so as we go deeper into winter, so are they just planning on running an absolutely gimped service until march?

The ground is hardly saturated yet as it would be later in winter, so further rainfall events will raise levels even higher

The affected areas are all north of Morchant Road or Lapford stations (both of which are by A377), so not yet 100% clear why the service needs to be suspended south of these for multiple days towards Exeter.

Possibly the signalling doesn't permit reversing on a single line when line is blocked, or somebody has decided operationally difficult, either of which suggests no contingency planning for part route working when far end of branch is known to be vulnerable.