Trains cancelled: Lines blocked and railway buses still replacing services after Storm Claudia - full list affected services across UK
Train services are still cancelled and railway buses in place as parts of the UK still reel from Storm Claudia.
Storm Claudia brought heavy rain over the weekend causing flooding in many communities. A large Met Office yellow severe weather warning was in force across most of England and Wales from Friday until Saturday morning.
According to Network Rail, routes between London Paddington and Swansea via Bristol Parkway, and London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads via Swindon, were closed owing to flooding. People are trying to pick up the pieces of their lives after the devastating flooding that hit Monmouth, Abergavenny and surrounding areas.
Monmouth residents have been evacuated from their homes, many bringing only a carrier bag full of clothes. Businesses have been left in ruins, and one person has been electrocuted and hospitalised in Newport.
Trains are still affected today (Monday 17 November). Listed below are the affected services.
No trains between Hereford and Newport (South Wales)
National Rail warns: “On Friday, heavy rain brought by Storm Claudia caused extensive flooding between Hereford and Newport (South Wales). This has resulted in all lines between these stations being closed.
“Network Rail are onsite working to clear the flood water and complete the necessary repairs and safety checks to allow the lines to reopen. The current estimate is that all lines will remain closed until the end of the day.
“Trains running between Hereford and Newport will be cancelled or revised to only run part of their usual route. There will be no train service between Hereford and Newport.”
Buses replace trains between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley
National Rail says: “Slippery rails between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley means all lines are blocked. As a result, trains will be cancelled or revised.
“Disruption is expected until 14:30. Rail replacement transport is in operation between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley in both directions, calling at all stations.”
Road transport is replacing trains between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple
National Rail says: “Heavy rain has flooded the railway between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple, closing the line running between these stations. This means that services are unable to operate between these stations. Trains will either be cancelled in full, or revised to not run between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple.
“Disruption is expected until the end of the day. Trains between Exeter and Okehampton are not affected by this disruption.”
It advises customers: “Limited rail replacement transport is in place. Taxis and coaches will shuttle between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple until further notice. These services will call at Crediton, Copplestone, Morchard Road, Eggesford and Umberleigh in both directions. Please see station staff for more information.
“For any passengers at any intermediate stations, please use the help point and road transport will be arranged.”
Customers can use their ticket, at no extra cost, on Stagecoach South West bus services on the following routes:
- Route 5 between Exeter Central, Newton St Cyres and Crediton
- Route 5A between Exeter bus station, Newton St Cyres (Belluno), Crediton, and Copplestone
- Route 5B between Exeter bus station and Barnstaple (please note the journey time is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes)
- Route 5C between Exeter bus station, Newton St Cyres, Crediton, Copplestone, Morchard Road, and Lapford
National Rail adds: “Great Western Railway will restore the service as soon as it is safe to do so but following further heavy rain it is expected the closure will continue until at least early afternoon today, Monday 17 November.”