A partial train service has been reinstated at Telford Central station after a landslip which occurred on Friday, 8 March on a steep railway embankment next to the line between Oakengates and Wellington in Shropshire.
Persistent heavy rainfall during the winter caused over 5,000 tonnes of material to slip from underneath a 50-metre section of the railway line after the earthwork was weakened.
Train services were originally suspended completely between Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton, but last Monday, 18 March West Midlands Railways was able to resume operating a partial service between Birmingham and Shifnal.
At first, it was not possible for trains to call at Telford Central because of operational challenges related to the track layout. A safe method of working has now been agreed upon, and as from today, Thursday, 21 March, trains have resumed calling at Telford Central station.
With work continuing to clear the landslip, the railway line between Telford and Shrewsbury will remain closed, with a rail-replacement bus service continuing to operate and serving stations along the line.
Network Rail states that the line cannot reopen until the repair work is completed, with the latest being that the earliest date will be at least next Thursday, 28 March.
Journey Planners have been updated so that they now show the departure times of trains to and from Telford Central. Updated information on the progress in repairing the landslip and information on the limited train timetable can be found on the West Midlands Railway website by clicking here.
I would like to thank passengers for their continued patience while Network Rail completes these crucial repairs.
Earlier this week we were able to introduce a limited train service along part of the line and I am pleased that we are now able to begin calling trains at Telford Central after a safe method of working was agreed.
Rail replacement buses will continue to support the train service until the line is ready to reopen.
Jonny Wiseman, West Midlands Railway customer experience director
