Network Rail will shortly begin repair work to a West Coast Mainline tunnel.
Crick tunnel, a 140-year-old Victorian tunnel on the Northampton loop, suffers from frequent floods, slowing down and delaying both passenger and freight trains. 2012 and 2020 saw over 15,000 minutes of delays (over 10 full days!).
The water leaks in through the walls of the tunnel, pooling up on the tracks. With lower passenger numbers, Network Rail working with Train Operating Companies (TOCs) who operate on the West Coast Mainline, have scheduled next week (Monday 15th to Friday 19th of March 2021) to reduce the flooding issues.
Workers will focus on improving the drainage through the tunnel, helping to remove the water before it gets a chance to build up.
These five days are believed to be the longest period of time the tunnel will be fully closed to passenger and freight traffic since opening in 1881.
The video below shows Network Rail staff using pumps to remove the water.
London Northwestern Railway passengers will need to use rail replacement buses between Rugby and Northampton, whilst Avanti West Coast services will be diverted between Rugby and Milton Keynes.
Network Rail's West Coast Mainline South Route Director James Dean said: “This speedy upgrade of Crick tunnel shows how the rail industry is coming together to get the West Coast main line in the best possible shape for passengers when they can return once coronavirus travel restrictions are eased. This is all part of our commitment to build back better as the country emerges from the pandemic. However, as the line will need to close for the major upgrade, I'd urge anyone still making essential journeys to check National Rail Enquiries, so they know what to expect when they travel.”
Executive Director of Operations & Safety for Avanti West Coast Gus Dunster said: “Working with industry partners we have amended our timetable between Monday 15 – Friday 19 March to facilitate Network Rail's work at Crick Tunnel, while protecting our vital services for key workers. As a result, the departure and arrival times at London Euston have changed. If customers are making an essential journey during this time, we strongly recommend they check before they travel, plan their journey in advance and make a reservation.”
Customer Experience Director for London Northwestern Railway Lawrence Bowman said: “I thank our passengers making essential journeys for their patience while Network Rail carries out these important improvements to the railway. I urge our customers to plan ahead and check their train times before setting out if they plan to travel during the work. Replacement buses will be in operation between Northampton, Long Buckby and Rugby for those who need them.”
Head of Planning Efficiency and Innovation at DB Cargo Graham Preston said: “This is a great example of industry collaboration to ensure we can keep vital goods moving in the UK in a timely manner. The past 12 months have proved that we can work in a more agile and responsive way for our customers and it's great to see Network Rail supporting our needs and those of our customers as we build back better together. I look forward to seeing greater collaboration for freight with Network Rail in the future.”
Passengers making essential journeys are being advised to check www.nationalrail.co.uk for the latest travel information.
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Good!
Those bricks also need some re-polishing…
Keep up the good work.
How are Avanti West Coast services going to be quote ‘diverted between Rugby and Milton Keynes’? They use the direct route already rather than the Northampton / Crick Tunnel loop!
It’s the LNWR services between Rugby and Northampton which be unable to use this route, along with the large number of freight trains that travel via Northampton.