Media centre

Sunday 16 Feb 2020

Rail passengers in South Yorkshire urged to check before travelling as severe flooding closes railway line in Rotherham

Region & Route:

Eastern

Network Rail and Northern are urging passengers to check before travelling as severe flooding means that all lines to and from Rotherham Central station are blocked and will remain so throughout Monday, 17 February.

On Sunday, 16 February, heavy rainfall led to severe flooding on the lines and the tracks became completely submerged by floodwater. Network Rail had workers on site pumping water away from the railway, but the sheer volume of water meant that the lines had to close.

Before the lines can reopen, the water levels will have to drop significantly and Network Rail engineers will need to carry out safety inspections. Floodwater can dislodge ballast, the stones which support the track, and cause damage to lineside electrical equipment. Any debris which has washed up on the railway will also need to be removed. All of this work will need to be completed before train services are able to resume in this area.

Passengers are strongly urged to check their journey before travelling which they can do via National Rail Enquiries or by visiting www.northernrailway.co.uk. Bus replacement services will be in operation and will run every 30 minutes between Meadowhall and Swinton.

Matt Rice, Route Director for Network Rail’s North and East Route, said: “Heavy rainfall has led to significant flooding on the railway in Rotherham. This means that the lines in and out of Rotherham Central station are closed and will remain so tomorrow.

“This does mean disruption to services, so we would strongly urge all passengers to check before travelling which they can do via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator.

“Severe weather like this does bring challenges for the railway, but I would like to reassure passengers that we are doing all that we can to keep them moving where possible and we thank all those impacted for their patience."

Carolyn Watson, Community and Sustainability Director for Northern, said: “Due to the impact of heavy rainfall on parts of the rail network we’re asking all customers to check before they travel.  While many routes affected have reopened, buses will continue to serve Rotherham Central tomorrow following significant flooding.”

ENDS