Media centre

Tuesday 3 Feb 2009

MAJORITY OF RAIL NETWORK OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Region & Route:

National

Over three quarters of the rail network is open and available for train services today, with almost all major routes open this morning. Network Rail staff worked exhaustively overnight to clear the rail infrastructure for train services.

Staff concentrated their efforts and resources on the main routes, switching their efforts to branch lines today, with more of these secondary routes being reopened in the south east as the day progresses.

Yesterday, apart from Kent and Sussex, all main routes were open with services running, allbeit with heavy delays as trains ran at reduced speeds to cope with difficult conditions.

Hundreds of staff were out in force last night checking point heaters to keep points free of ice and snow and clearing snow, by hand in some areas. A fleet of de-icing and ice breaking trains were are also out on the network spraying heated anti-freeze, while trains fitted with snow ploughs were also helping to clear snow.

Travelling into London from the south east remains difficult today, but much improved on yesterday with most London commuter services operating revised timetables.

Passengers are advised to check before they travel by consulting individual train operator websites or www.nationalrail.co.uk, or national rail enquiries on 08457 48 49 50