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Saturday 5 Dec 2015

West Coast main line shut between Oxenholme and Carlisle due to floods and landslips

Region & Route:

| North West & Central

The West Coast main line was closed to trains today between Carlisle and Oxenholme after multiple floods and landslips made it impassable.

Network Rail's orange army was out braving the elements working to clear problems caused by Storm Desmond.

The decision to shut the West Coast main line between Carlisle and Oxenholme was made shortly after midday.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: "We care about train customers getting from A to B on a smooth-running, safe railway.

"We're doing everything we can to get this stretch of line reopened but rain, floods, landslips and wind are not helping.

"In mainy instances engineers are struggling to get to the problem spots because they're inaccessible due to flooding.

"Our priority is safety. Only when we can guarantee it is safe will we reopen the line between Oxenholme and Carlisle."

Train customers are advised to check www.nationalrailenquires.co.uk for the latest information and to keep an eye on train company websites.

Real-time information is also available on Twitter - @nationalrailenq and @networkrail.

Here is a summary of the worst-affected locations: 

• West Coast main line closed between Carlisle and Oxenholme due to multiple incidents of flooding and bank slips. 

• Oxenholme to Windermere line closed at Burneside due to moving floodwater (staff unable to access due to road closures)

• Stainforth – line closed due to flood water.

• Maryport – Trains delayed near Maryport due to floodwater.

• Settle to Carnforth route blocked due to line under 2ft of floodwater at Kettlebeck.