Severe disruption to train services between Lancaster and Barrow-in-Furness is likely after a train was derailed at Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria last Friday, 22 March.
At the time of the derailment, four passengers and four members of staff were on the train, and they were all safely evacuated from the train.
Railway engineers have been working over the weekend to inspect the damage and carry out ground investigations, and about 150 metres from the site of the derailment, they have discovered a void in the ground.
Disruption is expected to last some time
Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern
Network Rail and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch are working to establish what caused the void and the train derailment.
Once the Rail Accident Investigation Branch has completed its initial investigation, Network Rail will begin a complex process to recover the train and reopen the line. This will include:
- Re-railing and removing the train with a specialist crane.
- Repairing the ground.
- Laying new track over the affected area, followed by installation of new ballast.
Until the repairs have been completed, Network Rail has advised that the line will be closed, which is likely to be for about two weeks.
That will not affect current plans for services over the Easter bank holiday as a temporary timetable had already been issued work for the area due to pre-planned engineering work.
Service Alterations
- Train services between Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness will operate via the Cumbrian Coast line until full services are reinstated.
- Rail replacement bus services will operate between Barrow-in-Furness and Lancaster.
Up-to-date travel information and alternative travel arrangements can be found online at www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.northernrailway.co.uk/service-updates.
In recent months, the railway network has suffered a landslip in Shropshire, and in Buckinghamshire.
On the rare occasions trains leave tracks like this it can cause extensive damage and unfortunately this incident is no exception. The additional problem with the ground conditions means this is an especially complicated recovery process.
I understand this will be extremely frustrating for passengers travelling between Lancaster and Barrow-in-Furness. Across the rail industry we re working hard to keep people on the move through rail replacement buses while we work as fast as we can to restore the railway for passengers and freight.
Chris Pye, Network Rail's North West route infrastructure director
While services are unable to run between Barrow-in-Furness and Lancaster, we are working with partners to offer what rail replacement alternatives we can. This includes buses between Lancaster and Barrow calling at Lancaster, Carnforth, Silverdale, Arnside Grange-over-Sands, Kents Bank, Cark, Ulverston, Dalton, Roose and Barrow -In-Furness.
Disruption is expected to last some time, so customers should make alternative arrangements wherever possible. We're sorry for the inconvenience and delay.
Customers can always speak to a member of our team at their local station or visit northernrailway.co.uk/service-updates for the latest information.
Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern
Another infrastructure failure that needs to be on the desk of the infrastructure Director,…..with a note attached asking why and who was responsible.
Oh dear – another poorly maintained culvert as evidenced by the water pooling on the landward side of the track.
I understand that the Environment Agency have a problem with clearing culverts as this will have an effect on the ecology of the Kent Estuary wetlands – well here’s the result of not doing it.
Is the Environment Agency going to pay for the damage???