Media centre

Friday 15 Nov 2019

Train services resume between Long Eaton and Derby following heavy flooding to railway

Region & Route:

Eastern

Network Rail, East Midlands Railway and CrossCountry are pleased to announce that services between Long Eaton and Derby are able to run once more following heavy flooding to the railway near Draycott.

The line has been closed since yesterday afternoon after the tracks were completely submerged by floodwater. Since this time, Network Rail teams have been working round the clock to clear debris and flood water from the area and carry out inspections to the track and signalling equipment.

All of these safety critical tests have now taken place, with train services able to resume. However, a reduced service will be in place until all the floodwater has been removed and journey times between London and Derby will be slightly extended. Passengers are urged to check before travelling via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator and to leave additional time for their journey.

Services between Derby and Nottingham will continue to be operated by rail replacement bus services for the time being.

Gary Walsh, Route Director for Network Rail in the East Midlands, said: “Heavy rainfall has impacted the railway in the East Midlands over the last 24 hours and we know that this has been disruptive for passengers.

“Our teams have been working round the clock to inspect and test equipment to allow the line between Long Eaton and Derby to reopen. Overnight, engineers worked to make repairs to the railway where rainwater had collected and additional pumps were brought to the area.

"Train services are now able to run, however there is still some impact on services as trains are running at a reduced speed, so passengers are urged to check their journey. Engineers continue to work on site and and will look to increase the speed at which trains can travel when conditions allow. 

“My sincere thanks go to all passengers who have had to change their plans or use alternative transport for the patience they have shown.”

Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director for East Midlands Railway, said “We are really pleased that the line between Derby and Long Eaton has now reopened. 

“Although trains are now running, they will be going through Long Eaton at a reduced speed so journey times will be slightly extended.

“We would like to thank our passengers for their patience and understanding whilst Network Rail worked hard to restore the line over the past 24 hours."

CrossCountry’s Managing Director, Tom Joyner, said: “Its really good news for our customers that Network Rail have been able to reopen the line so quickly after yesterday’s floods. We are already looking at how soon we can have our full service back running through to Nottingham, and will keep customers informed.”

    ENDS