Plymouth and Cornwall 'cut-off' from trains after Tesco lorry crashes in to railway bridge

Network rail tweeted this image of the lorry stuck under the bridge
The lorry has been stuck under the bridge since Monday. Credit: Network Rail

Plymouth and Cornwall remains 'cut-off' from the rest of the rail network after a lorry crashed into a railway bridge.

The lorry first got stuck some time just before 3.30pm on Monday 30 August, hitting the bridge in Mannamead.

Network Rail says train services would be affected between Plymouth and Totnes through to Wednesday 1 September at the earliest.

Trains are unable to run between Plymouth and Totnes as a result of the incident, although some trains are terminating at Exeter St Davids or Newton Abbot instead.

Limited replacement road transport is running between Plymouth and Exeter St Davids and Plymouth and Tiverton Parkway, but will not be stopping at the intermediate stations.

A GWR spokesperson said: "We are really sorry but due to damage from a lorry striking a bridge yesterday evening, we are asking customers to only travel if necessary. 

"Where trains and replacement buses are able to operate, these are limited and are expected to be very busy. Disruption will continue for the remainder of today and is likely to continue into tomorrow. 

"Those with tickets for travel will be able to seek a refund, or are able use their ticket to travel at the next earliest opportunity.”   

Tesco has apologised for the disruption. A spokesperson said: "We are very sorry for the problems this has caused for travellers and we are investigating how this has happened."

How long will delays last? 

The lorry is still under the bridge. Network Rail is working to remove it before it can fully assess the damage to the bridge. 

Train services will be affected until at least Wednesday 1 September