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Thursday 20 Sep 2018

Network Rail advising passengers on South Western Railway to check before travelling due to adverse weather conditions

Region & Route:

Southern: Wessex

| Southern

Network Rail is advising passengers who travel on South Western Railway services to check their journeys before travelling this evening (Thursday 20^th September) and tomorrow (Friday 21^st) morning due to severe weather forecast across the south which will require speed limits for trains.

With winds of up to 60mph and heavy rain being forecast by the Met Office, Network Rail is introducing speed restrictions between Weymouth and Bournemouth in both directions from 20.00 tonight and for all routes south of Woking, including routes to Portsmouth, Weymouth and Crewkerne, from 22.00.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “Due to the severe weather forecast by the Met Office in the south this evening, we have to impose speed restrictions on some lines on the South Western Railway network for the safety of passengers and railway staff.

“High winds can blow trees and other debris onto railway. These restrictions will mean train drivers are better able to bring trains to a halt if any obstructions are spotted ahead.”

People living near the railway can help by ensuring garden furniture, equipment and trampolines are secure and not at risk of being blown onto the tracks.

Passengers can check their journeys at www.southwesternrailway.com or National Rail Enquiries, and follow @SW_Help for service updates.

 

ENDS