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Tuesday 1 Feb 2022

Storm Corrie 90mph gales bring down 100ft tree beside West Coast main line

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: North West

Network Rail workers in Cumbria joined forces with a local farmer to keep passengers and freight trains moving on the West Coast main line.

During Storm Corrie, which saw windspeeds of over 90mph across the north of the UK, a dangerous 100 feet tall tree was spotted leaning perilously close to the railway at Floriston in Cumbria.

Had the tree been toppled by the wind, it could have landed directly onto the track, bringing down the overhead power lines and blocking the path of a train.

With the help of a local farmer, the team were able to safely remove the tree and keep passengers on the move.

Garry Cunningham from Network Rail's off-track team, said: “I’m really pleased my team spotted the risk and were able to act quickly and safely to keep passengers on the move.

“It’s important we identify dangerous trees before they damage railway infrastructure, particularly now we are seeing more extreme weather like the recent high winds.

“I’d also like to thank the farmer for kindly offering his tractor and winch to help safely remove the tree. We really appreciate the assistance!”                                                                                                                                       

 

The West Coast main line is major transport route for Britain. Every 24 hours, 46 passenger trains and seven freight trains - carrying up to 18,500 tonnes of medical supplies, bananas, pasta, loo roll and other essentials, pass over the England- Scottish border at Gretna in freight trains. The next day, those goods can be found on sale in supermarkets and high street shops.

To read more about how Network Rail is combating adverse weather visit: www.networkrail.co.uk/responding-to-weather-impacts-on-the-railway/.