Weather related disruption - Christmas 2013 and New Year 2014

[andyc20050]

Latest on flooding on the Isle of Wight.

http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/news/operation-to-restore-storm-damaged-rail-network-52285.aspx

Andy

 

[PHILIPE]

ATW have buses sourced tomorrow in event of expected bad weather, a combination of gale force winds, heavy rain and exceptionally high tides. Described on BBC as possible the worst we have had. Routes affected:-

Blaenau Ffestiniog Branch
Chepstow/Lydney/Gloucester
Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth
Machynlleth to Harlech (Line closed beyond but that's another story)
Llanelli to Carmarthen

They can be stood down if not necessary.

 

[user15681]

Latest on flooding on the Isle of Wight.

http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/news/operation-to-restore-storm-damaged-rail-network-52285.aspx

Andy

Interesting, thanks for that. I hadn't realised 2 of the trains were submerged by flood water. I know the line doesn't use all of its 5 (possibly 6, I can't remember) trains every day, but this could cause problems even when the line is up and running again.

 

[infobleep]

Good news. The Haslemere and Petersfield section of line will be reopening on Sunday instead of next Monday. That's useful as there is engineering works affecting the lines through Eastleigh on Sunday.

Of course if any rain or wind causes problems on Sunday, things might change. Another storm is predicted, along with one tomorrow, although that is only affecting the more Southernly areas of the South East at least [don't know about other parts of the country].
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I misread realtimetrains yesterday, the 6.53 Guildford [from Haslemere] to Waterloo was cancelled and again today.

So that meant a 2 hour and 7 minute gap between fast services from Guildford to Clapham Junction. Normally this is just 1 hour 38 minute gap. Why they couldn't stop the 7.04 I don't know. Yes it leaves 11 minutes later but it actually leaves Guildford 3 minutes earlier than usual. They stopped the 7.34 at Woking, although I suspect no one was able to get on judging by a tweet I read.

All the trains from Haslemere have been short formed. Someone asked why on Twitter the SWT person just apologised and said things would be back to normal on Sunday.

The person then ask why again because they hadn't actually answered the question. I suspect they don't actually know and didn't want to admit that they don't know. It's not their fault if they are not told why so why not just say that. It only winds customers up otherwise.

The other reason I suspect people couldn't get on the trains is due to the slow but still missing Clapham Junction 8.07 service from Guildford being much busier today than usual.

Anyway next Monday things will be back to normal, bar short formations due to coaching stock being damaged.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/W34733/2014/01/02/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/W34733/2014/01/03/advanced

It's interesting that those are in the system as cancelled, yet many of the other trains that would normally run are not listed at all. Yet earlier in the week all cancelled trains were being listed.

Again all cancelled trains on the Guildford to Ascot line are coming up as cancelled on NRE. Is there a minimum number of days that trains have to be listed as cancelled before they can be taken out of the system completely?

Do they get fined for the cancelled trains that are listed in the system, even though it's not their fault and not fined for those which are not running but are not listed?

 

[PHILIPE]

Without going into lengthy detail, trains services in West of England and Wales are in chaos due to flooding, high winds and tidal surges. Lightning strikes also affecting signalling in places. Many route closed and not always possible to use buses due to conditions.

 

[embers25]

Good news. The Haslemere and Petersfield section of line will be reopening on Sunday instead of next Monday. That's useful as there is engineering works affecting the lines through Eastleigh on Sunday.

Of course if any rain or wind causes problems on Sunday, things might change. Another storm is predicted, along with one tomorrow, although that is only affecting the more Southernly areas of the South East at least [don't know about other parts of the country].
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I misread realtimetrains yesterday, the 6.53 Guildford [from Haslemere] to Waterloo was cancelled and again today.

So that meant a 2 hour and 7 minute gap between fast services from Guildford to Clapham Junction. Normally this is just 1 hour 38 minute gap. Why they couldn't stop the 7.04 I don't know. Yes it leaves 11 minutes later but it actually leaves Guildford 3 minutes earlier than usual. They stopped the 7.34 at Woking, although I suspect no one was able to get on judging by a tweet I read.

All the trains from Haslemere have been short formed. Someone asked why on Twitter the SWT person just apologised and said things would be back to normal on Sunday.

The person then ask why again because they hadn't actually answered the question. I suspect they don't actually know and didn't want to admit that they don't know. It's not their fault if they are not told why so why not just say that. It only winds customers up otherwise.

The other reason I suspect people couldn't get on the trains is due to the slow but still missing Clapham Junction 8.07 service from Guildford being much busier today than usual.

Anyway next Monday things will be back to normal, bar short formations due to coaching stock being damaged.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/W34733/2014/01/02/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/W34733/2014/01/03/advanced

It's interesting that those are in the system as cancelled, yet many of the other trains that would normally run are not listed at all. Yet earlier in the week all cancelled trains were being listed.

Again all cancelled trains on the Guildford to Ascot line are coming up as cancelled on NRE. Is there a minimum number of days that trains have to be listed as cancelled before they can be taken out of the system completely?

Do they get fined for the cancelled trains that are listed in the system, even though it's not their fault and not fined for those which are not running but are not listed?

Yesterday the first off peak train from Haslemere was advertised as 8 coach but arrived as a 444 and was snug. In the afternoon on Guildford they announced the 1500 to Ascot was cancelled and to please listen for further announcements. Then the bus was due to have left at 1450 and at 1452 (no earlier announcement between 1440 and 1452) they made an announcement asking Ascot bound passengers to proceed to the station entrance for onward bus service!! Hopefully the 1450 was still waiting!! The 1502 rolled in as a snugly filled 8 coaches so better than the morning.

SWT website was as useful as ever advising that the line between Fareham and Eastleigh was still closed despite SWT having run several trains already that way with the line very much open!

 

[Llanigraham]

Photographs on the Festiniog FB page show The Cob nearly over-topped this morning!

 

[Tommy91125]

Here's what FGW said today:
Due to lightening striking signalling equipment., we are currently experiencing severe disruption to services West of Plymouth with delays of up to three hours and short notice alterations and cancellations. Network Rail are investigating this issue and we currently have no estimate for rectification of this problem.

Doesn't FGW mean lightning?

 

[Rich McLean]

Here's what FGW said today:
Due to lightening striking signalling equipment., we are currently experiencing severe disruption to services West of Plymouth with delays of up to three hours and short notice alterations and cancellations. Network Rail are investigating this issue and we currently have no estimate for rectification of this problem.

Doesn't FGW mean lightning?

Yes.

No through trains into Cornwall, instead they are attempting to operate a DMU service into and out of Cornwall until further notice

 

[Strathclyder]

No trains are running between Cardross & Helensburgh Central until further notice due to poor weather conditions, with trains terminating at Dumbarton Central. Buses replace trains between Dumbarton & Helensburgh.

 

[TSR :D]

There was chaos on Chiltern Mainline as a signalling problem occurred at Moor St and a broken down train also occurred at Dorridge. Apparently, some of XC trains going via Solihull have been diverted to go via Coventry skipping International, it would be interesting to see a XC train rushing past at International.

Does anyone know if I will face any disruptions on my journey from Cardiff to Birmingham via Bristol Parkway tomorrow morning?

 

[tsr]

On the Southern network today, obstructions have been reported at Amberley & Lingfield (a large tree at the latter), in the Three Bridges area, and I think also at Godstone.

 

[starrymarkb]

Here's what FGW said today:
Due to lightening striking signalling equipment., we are currently experiencing severe disruption to services West of Plymouth with delays of up to three hours and short notice alterations and cancellations. Network Rail are investigating this issue and we currently have no estimate for rectification of this problem.

Doesn't FGW mean lightning?

There were a few strikes on Exeter city, including a massive one hitting the High Street (thankfully it didn't hit anyone) which has fried at least one bank's computers

 

[ushawk]

It's badly hitting the South East now, though the rail network isn't too bad.

Major disruption between Eastbourne and Hastings due to "poor weather conditions at Pevensey and Westham"

As the above is quite vague - does anyone in the know know what the incident consists of ? 1 service did terminate at PEV too. The line runs pretty close to the sea as well.

 

[Stats]

It's badly hitting the South East now, though the rail network isn't too bad.

Major disruption between Eastbourne and Hastings due to "poor weather conditions at Pevensey and Westham"

As the above is quite vague - does anyone in the know know what the incident consists of ? 1 service did terminate at PEV too. The line runs pretty close to the sea as well.

The Southern website says a train hitting an object in the area. Southern's twitter account kept referring to obstructions on the line as poor weather conditions

 

[Donny158]

On the national rail website in the section about Arriva Trains Wales disruptions there is a photo of what looks like a stranded 158 unit! Does anyone know where this pic was taken and is the unit actually stranded? I tried to get the pic to link to here but due to my limited technical knowledge I have failed! .

 

[OxtedL]

On the national rail website in the section about Arriva Trains Wales disruptions there is a photo of what looks like a stranded 158 unit! Does anyone know where this pic was taken and is the unit actually stranded? I tried to get the pic to link to here but due to my limited technical knowledge I have failed! .

Entitled "Tywyn3.jpg", and referenced as being on the Cambrian Coast.

 

[Llanigraham]

On the national rail website in the section about Arriva Trains Wales disruptions there is a photo of what looks like a stranded 158 unit! Does anyone know where this pic was taken and is the unit actually stranded? I tried to get the pic to link to here but due to my limited technical knowledge I have failed! .

See also post 160 in this thread:
http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=94384&page=11

 

[Michael.Y]

Newport to Cardiff has been hit by signal issues caused by flooding today. The line reopened at approximately 1330 after being blocked. At one point only the PAD-SWA / SWA-PADs and a NWP/CDF shuttle was running, 1 of each per hour. All XC, ATW and local FGWs were turned at NWP. Portsmouth-Cardiff trains were terminating at Temple Meads.

This evening trains have been getting through, albeit riding reds. Dets and flags out earlier. The 23:20 to Cheltenham was cancelled, with a late night bus laid on from Newport.

However west is not quite best - trains being caped at Llanelli / Swansea due to massive ballast slip at Pembrey & Burry Port, which may cause disruption all weekend. Apparently a FGW HST is trapped behind it too. Buses running Llanelli - Carmarthen.

Does anyone know if I will face any disruptions on my journey from Cardiff to Birmingham via Bristol Parkway tomorrow morning?

Rain and showers forecast for 7am-11am. Hopefully NR will fix the problem tonight. East of Newport everything seems fine.

 

[merlodlliw]

Entitled "Tywyn3.jpg", and referenced as being on the Cambrian Coast.

I know that area well,I am sure its on the North side of Tywyn,the roadway is the giveaway,the road leads to the rail only bridge over the river, a new footpath only bridge was erected over the river a couple of years ago,this replaced the old bridge demolished by the County Council which linked Tonfanau military(anti Aircraft) camp with Tywyn.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

If what is stated by certain experts on how climate change will affect the future winter weather of Britain with increased propensity for gale force winds and heavy rainfall, then the railway infrastructure of Britain will need far more money budgeted towards annual remedial measures.

Incidentally, I missed part of a news comment that there were to be reductions in staffing levels in what I think was coastline protection. I would be pleased to receive confirmation as to which organisation was to be hit by such a proposal, if anyone can report it on this thread.

 

[SWTH]

It's probably the Environment Agency - they've announced they're making up to 1,500 people redundant.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

It's probably the Environment Agency - they've announced they're making up to 1,500 people redundant.

What a time to make such an announcement...

 

[ModernRailways]

What a time to make such an announcement...

It's mostly just back office staff though who were unnecessary.

 

[Baxenden Bank]

It's mostly just back office staff though who were unnecessary.

Those back office staff are the ones who maintain records and such like, which determine what river / sea defences need maintaining and when. No good just giving a bloke a JCB, some concrete, and an instruction "go forth and maintain sea defences young man". Which, where, when and why!

In the railway world, those back office staff are the ones who maintain drawings of drainage, plan preventative maintenance, update sectional appendicees and so on.

I don't understand why back office staff are considered so dispensible - I want my wages paid on time and accurately, I want my annual holiday requests processed, I want my PC and software protected and upgraded as and when necessary. I could do all these things myself, less effectively, but then I would not have time to do the job I am actually paid for.

 

[merlodlliw]

What a time to make such an announcement...

Indeed,its typical of arrogance shown by politicians, the cuts are to come from the Environment Agency, these cuts do not effect Wales,which linked up three departments last year(Environment/Forestry/Countryside) to become Natural resources Wales.

 

[Arglwydd Golau]

Those back office staff are the ones who maintain records and such like, which determine what river / sea defences need maintaining and when. No good just giving a bloke a JCB, some concrete, and an instruction "go forth and maintain sea defences young man". Which, where, when and why!

In the railway world, those back office staff are the ones who maintain drawings of drainage, plan preventative maintenance, update sectional appendicees and so on.

I don't understand why back office staff are considered so dispensible - I want my wages paid on time and accurately, I want my annual holiday requests processed, I want my PC and software protected and upgraded as and when necessary. I could do all these things myself, less effectively, but then I would not have time to do the job I am actually paid for.

Absolutely correct, the same across all Public Services, every time 'back office' or 'administrators' are cut in the NHS it just means that front-line staff (nurses, doctors and other health professionals) have to cover their work and therefore time is taken away from patient/client care!

 

[Parallel]

I saw a six carriage 158 leaving Trowbridge earlier, albeit with the back three coaches locked out of use. It was a novelty! :P I also think there were some diversions with HSTs coming through this route.

In terms of FGW running, a lot of services are heavily delayed as you'd expect, with many trains terminating early due to flooding, for example FGW Portsmouth services are currently terminating at Romsey after starting from Temple Meads, and Weymouth ones terminating at Castle Cary. A tough few days for Arriva, FGW and others that have services towards the west!

 

[tsr]

Some quite notable flooding is reported between Pewsey & Westbury, and the lines through Yeovil Pen Mill are apparently closed.

 

[cuccir]

The Cumbrian Coast Line has been closed all day and this report suggests that things are looking bad:

Rail services are not operating on the Cumbrian coast line due to the significant damage caused by today's tidal surge and flooding.

Sea defences and retaining walls have been washed away at several locations between Sellafield and Maryport, and 120 yards of track have been washed away at Flimby.

Kirkby Railway Station has been flooded and was submerged in 3ft of water in places.

To allow Network Rail to repair the damage to the rail infrastructure, services are not operating between Barrow and Carlisle.

Engineers are assessing and then starting the huge task of repairing the line.

Northern Rail will be operating replacement bus services.

Martin Frobisher, Network Rail area director, said: "The storm and subsequent flooding has caused significant damage to the railway along the Cumbrian coast and our people will be working throughout the weekend to firstly assess the damage and then start work to repair our sea defences, track, replace equipment and remove debris from the line.

"We are sorry for the disruption this causes to passengers and we will be doing everything we can to reopen the line as early as we can.”

Sam Sparkes, 53, a Sellafield worker from Ulverston, watched as the tracks at Kirkby gradually got covered with water earlier today.

He said: "The water came up and round from both sides.

"There is a lot of debris all over the track. I don't think there will be trains for at least 24 hours.

"The houses nearby were bracing themselves for the flood. Every house had sandbags out ready. It's unbelievable."

The attached photo was taken at Kirkby in Furness station yesterday. More like a canal than a railway line!