Travel: Exeter to Plymouth trains disrupted until Friday after damage to railway bridge

Train services between Exeter and Plymouth are likely to be disrupted until Friday after a lorry caused serious damage to a railway bridge.

The Tesco lorry became wedged under the bridge at Lipson Vale, Plymouth, on Monday, August 20 and was stuck there for more than 24 hours – forcing the railway line to close.

With the vehicle finally removed, large cracks could be seen in the bridge's stonework, and scaffolding has been put up around it for repairs to take place.

Network Rail said today (Tuesday, August 31) that only a limited train service can run over the damaged bridge, and a rail replacement service is in place. Passengers are being advised to check with their train operator or National Rail Enquiries before they travel.

The incident has already caused disruption for thousands of rail travellers, and will affect many more this week - and Network Rail has called on lorry drivers and haulage companies to take better care.

The company said about five railway bridges are hit by lorries every day, and the annual bill for the careless driving comes in at around £20million.