The Gunnislake branch line is set to reopen this Friday following essential repair work.

The train service between Calstock and Gunnislake was suspended for two weeks on September 13 to allow for emergency repairs to be carried out. A structural defect and a track issue were discovered following a routine inspection.

Significant issues were encountered with the rail replacement buses including delays to buses, missed connections, with peak time buses not arriving on time for school pupils.

Missing buses and missed connections led to waits of up to two hours for some commuters.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Our teams have worked around the clock to repair the bridge and are now reinstating the track so that we can open the line to trains again this Friday.

“We’re sorry for the disruption to journeys as a result of the emergency repair work and thank passengers for their patience while these essential repairs have taken place.”