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Wednesday 4 Dec 2013

Reduced service on Thursday as rail network on east coast prepares for severe storm

Region & Route:

Due to severe weather conditions forecast for the east coast tomorrow (Thursday, December 5), rail passengers in Yorkshire and the north east are being warned that their journey time is likely to be extended and that some services will be cancelled.

With gale force winds of up to 80 mph expected to hit parts of the region during peak commuter hours tomorrow morning, speeds are being reduced and some services cancelled as a safety precaution.

Passengers are advised that journey times are expected to be extended, particularly to the north of York, as trains run at reduced speed

Phil Verster, Route Managing Director for Network Rail, said: "The speeds of wind predicted for tomorrow means we expect debris to be blown onto the railway. By running trains at reduced speed we give drivers time to react safely to any obstacles on the line. Our teams will be stationed at key locations to respond to any incidents and maintain the best possible service.

“We are working closely with the train operators and other industry partners to do everything we can to reduce disruption, while also operating a safe network for passengers. I thank passengers in advance for their understanding. Individual service information is available on national rail enquiries and from your train operator."

Network Rail will have hundreds of engineers out across the network ready to react quickly to problems on the lines, removing trees and fixing equipment where necessary.

The company will also be monitoring its system of over 200 weather alarms across the network to help track the passage of the storm.

With winds of up to 80 mph expected, railway infrastructure could be affected as severe winds can blow debris and trees onto tracks and damage equipment such as overhead electric power lines and signals.

While every effort will be made to run services for passengers, it will be necessary to follow industry-wide safety guidelines and implement speed restrictions and reduced timetables.