Media centre

Wednesday 20 Jan 2021

Heavy rain closes railway line in Rotherham – passengers making essential journeys urged to check before travelling

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: North & East

• No trains will call at Rotherham Central today (Wednesday 20 January) due to heavy downpours
• People should continue to follow the latest Government guidance and must stay at home except for limited reasons
• If you must travel, check your journey and allow plenty of time

Network Rail has confirmed that no trains will call at Rotherham Central today, as more heavy rain is forecast and water levels in the River Don continue to rise.

Teams have been closely monitoring the railway and the surrounding area overnight. Flooding can move ballast, the stones which support the track, and cause damage to vital signalling and electrical equipment.

Before the line can reopen, work will need to be carried out to pump water away from the railway, once the river levels drop. Teams will also test the equipment and repair any damage.

People should continue to follow the latest Government guidance and must stay at home except for limited reasons. Passengers who must travel are strongly advised to check their journey via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator and allow plenty of time.

Network Rail and Northern are urging those who must travel to check their journeys, as services between Sheffield and Leeds/Doncaster are being diverted. Tram Train services have also been suspended.

Matt Rice, Route Director for Network Rail’s North and East Route, said: “The rising water levels mean we’ve had to stop trains calling at Rotherham Central. Services are being diverted to keep passengers who have to travel moving.

“Our teams will carry out essential work to clear the water and test railway equipment, ready for services to resume as soon as possible.

“We want to thank passengers for continuing to follow the latest government guidance and we strongly advise people who have to travel to check their journey and allow plenty of time.”

Pat Beijer, Director of Transport Operations at South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, said: “As more heavy rain is forecast, Storm Christoph could see more public transport services across South Yorkshire subject to short notice changes or cancellations. With weather warnings in place in the region, we’re encouraging passengers, where possible, to stay at home and to stay safe.

“While every effort will be made to keep disruption to services to a minimum, where it is safe to do so, people that need to use public transport for essential reasons should take extra care, check for updates and plan ahead.”

ENDS