Tarka Line reopens as campaigners say: 'Patch and mend' infrastructure not fit for purpose

Rail services between Barnstaple and Crediton are set to resume this morning, ending weeks of travel misery for North Devon commuters.

Great Western Railway (GWR) has confirmed that the line has now reopened following extensive repair work necessitated by severe flooding. If all goes according to plan, the first service back in action is expected to be the 9.35am from Barnstaple to Exeter St Davids.

Network Rail has confirmed to the Gazette, that a full service is expected by 11am today. 

The reopening marks the end of a particularly gruelling period for the Tarka Line. The tracks have been out of use for several weeks, but the impact was worsened by a stroke of logistical bad luck: the A377, which usually carries replacement bus services, was also closed for a significant period.

Trains from Barnstaple have not departed in 24 days, marking one of the longest continuous closures the Tarka Line has faced in recent memory.

While the return of the 9.35am service is a relief to many, advocates for the line say that "patching and mending" is no longer enough.

Tim Steer, Chair of the Devon and Cornwall regional branch of Railfuture, argues that the current infrastructure is failing the people of North Devon: "The recent extreme weathers have severely impacted the lives of the communities that live along the North Devon (Tarka) line. The public have been waiting weeks for the line to reopen and had to put off vital health appointments, education, and employment.

"This impact could not have come at a more challenging time as GWR was faced with a quick response replacement bus service that could not go along the A377 due to it being closed for several weeks! The countless hours of lost rail services has meant that businesses along the line had to shut and reduce staffing.

"The realisation we must face is that the North Devon line is not fit for purpose with Network Rail only able to patch and mend, the minimum necessary to get services running again safely. If these major incidents are to be at the very least reduced in the length and severity of impact, then only investment in transformational line modernisation can provide a dependable and essential public service."

Passengers are advised to check live departure boards before heading to the station, as the network works to return to a full, frequent timetable.