The Yealmpton branch line ran from Plympton to Yealmpton. The initial act of Parliament was passed in 1865. Built by the GWR it required access to the LSWR line at Cattewater, resulting in a conflict not resolved until the LSWR granted running powers in 1894. Construction of the GWR section started in December 1895, with the line opening to traffic on January 17th 1898.
Never the most successful line it closed to passengers twice during its lifetime, first in July 1930. The line was still used for goods during the 30's, but the WW2 blitz of Plymouth brought new passengers with residents of Plymouth leaving town at night to escape the bombing. This alone was not enough to keep it going when the bus services returned to normal after the end of hostilities, the line closing in October 1947
When first conceived under the South Hams Devon Railway Act of 1864, it was envisaged that the line would continue to Modbury and possibly to Kingsbridge. There were also plans for one or two short branches off the line. None of the extra schemes were ever built.
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| Brixton Road Station, Yealmpton Branchline. April 1964 © Copyright Ben Brooksbank and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence. |