Media centre

Thursday 24 Jan 2008

HUGE LANDSLIP AFFECTS RAIL SERVICES

Region & Route:

Around 40 tonnes of mud and vegetation collapsed by the railway at Elland on the Hebden Bridge - Wakefield Railway line on Monday 21 January. Engineers estimate it could cost around £4m to get a permanent fix and rail services are likely to be disrupted for several months. Train planners are currently working with passenger and freight operators to get the best possible safe service. Dyan Crowther, Route Director for Network Rail, said: "Although this site was not a problem for us during the floods last summer, engineers were already investigating what action was needed and a speed restriction had been placed on the lines to ensure safety. "We have teams of specialists on site who will continue to work to find a suitable long-term solution. In the meantime safety remains our number one priority but we will do all we can to restore services and - where possible - put in suitable diversionary routes. I apologise to passengers who have been disrupted and assure them that we are doing all we can to minimise the impact of extreme weather across the network." Access to the site is difficult as it sits a considerable distance from any main roads. Updates on the situation and train services will be given as soon as they are available. Passengers should contact National Rail Enquiries for the most up-to-date information on 08457 48 49 50.