RAIL DISRUPTION: Speed restrictions in place as heavy rain is forecast

Network Rail has announced that temporary speed limits have been put in place on the railway in Cumbria and Lancashire to keep passengers moving as heavy rain is forecast.

Train speeds were reduced to 50mph from 5 pm tonight (Wednesday 19th February) and will be in place until 10 am tomorrow (Wednesday 20th February).

The ground in the North of England is very wet from recent storms and heavy rain, and more is on the way.

Passengers are being advised that journeys will take longer than usual.

The following lines have speed restrictions in place:

• Lancaster and Penrith
• Settle Junction and Carlisle
• Hellifield and Wennington
• Wennington and Carnforth
• Oxenholme and Windermere

What did the officials say?

Phil James, managing director for Network Rail’s North West route, said:

“The railway has taken a sustained battering from both Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis this month, so we have to take the threat of more heavy rain really seriously.

“While I appreciate the speed restrictions will be frustrating for people, our number one priority has to be keeping passengers and our staff safe.

“We have extra teams on the ground at various locations across the region to deal with any disruption. And our temporary speed restrictions are a necessary safety precaution.

“We advise passengers to check before travelling at www.nationalrail.co.uk.”

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