Passengers using trains in and out of Plymouth are being warned to brace for major travel disruption later this month.
It comes as Network Rail carries out strengthening work on the River Plym railway bridge.
The bridge located near the Sainsbury's Marsh Mills Superstore carries the main railway line out of Plymouth.
Engineers are set to replace 180 metres of track and strengthen the weakened structure, so it can continue to carry trains for decades to come.
The project requires access from the River Plym, and temporary dams and pumps have now been installed at the site.
To ensure fish aren’t disturbed, only half the river will be dammed at any time maintaining the flow of the river.
Network Rail has obtained the necessary consents from the Marine Management Organisation and the Environment Agency for the works.
The disruption runs from Saturday, 21 February to Sunday, 8 March. During the work, buses will replace some trains:
Saturday 21 to Friday 27 February and Monday 2 to Sunday 8 March – buses replace trains between Totnes and Plymouth.
Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March – buses replace trains between Teignmouth and Plymouth. Trains still run from Newton Abbot to Paignton.
Throughout the work, a non-stop bus service will run from Tiverton Parkway to Plymouth.
Passengers are also being warned that parking at Tiverton Parkway and Totnes will be significantly reduced, with car parks expected to be particularly busy.
Dan Parkes, Network Rail principal portfolio manager, said the railway has to adapt to modern demands on older infrastructure. He said:
“The type of trains and amount of traffic now using our bridges means they need greater structural support, so this is vital work make sure they can continue to run safely for years to come.
“We’re sorry for the disruption but we’ll be busy in other areas as well to upgrade this heavily used section of railway and get as much work done as we can.
“The work is only possible by everyone across the railway industry working closely together and we’re very grateful for their support.”
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