Media centre

Wednesday 19 Feb 2020

Passengers warned of railway disruption with more heavy rain forecast

Region & Route:

North West & Central

Temporary speed limits are being put in place on the railway in Cumbria and North Lancashire this evening to keep passengers safe as weather conditions worsen.

Train speeds will be reduced to 50mph from 5pm tonight (Tuesday 19 February) until 10am tomorrow (Wednesday 20 February) on the following sections of railway – including on the West Coast main line:

• Lancaster and Penrith
• Settle Junction and Carlisle
• Hellifield and Wennington
• Wennington and Carnforth
• Oxenholme and Windermere

Ground in the North of England is very wet from sustained heavy rain and with more on the way there is an increased risk of landslips and flooding.

Passengers are being advised that journeys will take longer than normal.

People should also check www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operator before they travel.

Phil James, managing director for Network Rail’s North West route, said: “The railway has taken a sustained battering from both Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis this month, so we have to take the threat of more heavy rain really seriously.

“While I appreciate the speed restrictions will be frustrating for people, our number one priority has to be keeping passengers and our staff safe.

“We have extra teams on the ground at various locations across the region to deal with any disruption. And our temporary speed restrictions are a necessary safety precaution.

“We advise passengers to check before travelling at www.nationalrail.co.uk.”

People are also advised to check with their train operator with some services being reduced or cancelled during the bad weather.