THE rail line between Barnstaple and Crediton is closed until further notice, owing to flooding, Network Rail has confirmed.

However, it is anticipated that the line, which closed during the afternoon of Wednesday, November 12, will be unable to open until checks have been made.

Network Rail added: “Our specialist diving teams will need to inspect bridges and viaducts along the line when water levels subside to make sure services can safely operate.

“Passengers planning to travel between now and the weekend are urged to check their journeys before travelling at: GWR.com .

“A limited bus replacement service is in place and tickets are being accepted on local buses where applicable.”

It said ticket acceptance is in place on local buses where applicable.

It added that services to Okehampton are unaffected.

GWR has confirmed: “Train services between Barnstaple and Crediton have been suspended due to flooding this afternoon (Wednesday, November 12).

“Network Rail’s 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 encourage all customers to check before travelling at GWR.com.

Ticket acceptance is in place on local bus routes and wherever possible we will operate replacement bus services however we would urge customers to only travel if necessary whilst the line is closed.”