Network rail has issued the following announcement on 29 September 2006:

Smoother and more reliable train journeys in Devon and Cornwall is the goal of vital improvement works that Network Rail is to carry out. Starting next week, essential annual track maintenance and renewals will begin on West Country branch lines. This crucial investment in the quality of services in the region, is part of Network Rail’s commitment to provide a safe and reliable railway for passengers.

Work begins on Monday 2 October on the Gunnislake branch line (Tamar Valley Line) for two weeks (excluding weekends), involving the replacing of rails, timbers and sleepers.  The line will be closed from Monday 2 October until Friday 6 October and then Monday 9 October and Friday 13 October, with replacement bus services running.

Greg Lunn, Network Rail’s Territory Maintenance Director for the area, said: “As the owner and operator of the rail network in Britain, we are committed to ensuring the safe running of the railway. “We will do our utmost to make sure that disruption is kept to a minimum for rail travellers during this annual maintenance work.”

Further line closures scheduled include
(Monday – Friday):
• Falmouth Branch (Maritime Line)        
• 16 – 20 October and 23 – 27 October

• Paignton Branch (Riviera Line)             
• 23 – 27 October

• Looe Branch (Looe Valley Line)            
• 30 October – 3 November and 6 – 10 November

• Barnstaple Branch (Tarka Line)           
• 6 – 10 November

• St. Ives Branch (St Ives Bay Line)        
• 13 – 17 November and 20 – 24 November

• Newquay Branch (Atlantic Coast Line) 
• 4 – 8 December, 11 – 15 December and 18 – 22 December

Julian Crow, First Great Western’s Regional Manager, said: “Naturally we regret any difficulties this may cause to our passengers, but this work really is vital to keep the branch lines in good condition for many years to come. 
“We always make every possible effort to minimise impact on our customers’ travel plans, however due to the scale of the works being undertaken it makes it impossible to avoid disruption to our services.”
During these line closures, bus replacement services will be provided and details of these services will be available at stations.  Customers are advised to always check journey details with the National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950 before travel.

Gone are the days when the railway was operated for the public and maintenance fitted in with the published schedule, all the time we allow such closures to out network for weeks on end, no chance ever exists of winning more passengers to the branchline network and removing conjestion from the roads - Ed