Berwick (Sussex) level crossing blocked 30/5/23

[Desirolly]

Unfortunate! Nothing running between Lewes and Eastbourne, due to this trailer (becoming detached?) blocking the track. Image from Southern: https://twitter.com/southernrailuk/status/1663495297509588992?s=46&t=8BWN6vN6fq9CYSmZtRoe3A
Was on the 0954 from Victoria to Lewes, which was cancelled at Haywards Heath due a train fault, and then we were advised to go to Brighton and then use buses from there, later being told about the blocked line.

 

[TrainGeekUK]

The situation at Berwick today with regard to the farming vehicle blocking the line at a level crossing.
Not a good start to the half term break!

Who would ultimately be responsible for the delay?

Clearly it’s not a Network Rail fault but would there be an investigation as to how such a vehicle could break down in such an awkward place!

 

[zwk500]

The situation at Berwick today with regard to the farming vehicle blocking the line at a level crossing.
Not a good start to the half term break!

Who would ultimately be responsible for the delay?

Clearly it’s not a Network Rail fault but would there be an investigation as to how such a vehicle could break down in such an awkward place!

I think it's still an NR delay, although it might be the case that NR can claim some of the costs back. If the driver has stopped and phoned the box to get permission to cross then it's just one of those things, I think. A breakdown can happen anywhere, although there will probably be a NR person looking into if anything to do with the LX was involved in the incident (which might take all of 5 mins).

Which way was the tractor crossing? - from the position of the axles it looks like it was heading southbound (picture is from the up platform looking back towards Eastbourne). IIRC there's a bit of a dip on the south side of the line, but the northern approach is fairly level. Although it isn't so steep that it would cause the hitch to strike the road, I'd have though. (I used to drive that way to School in Sixth Form).

BTW - Could you clarify in the thread title this is the Berwick in Sussex, not Berwick-Upon-Tweed?

 

[TrainGeekUK]

Yes it’s Berwick in Sussex. The view is Southbound towards Eastbourne.

 

[Javelin_55]

Who would ultimately be responsible for the delay?

This would be a NR delay. The most likely delay code at face value would be XN (Network Rail External).

There would certainly be an investigation as to how this happened. The XN code would also cover the possible scenario of the vehicle striking the barriers and causing the detachment.

 

[Bald Rick]

Yes, XN

In delay attribution terms, anything that isn’t a TOC / FOC cause must be an NR cause.

(exceptions apply for delays occurring on non NR railways).

 

[fgwrich]

Looks to be a bit of a S**t situation given what those tankers are usually used for! At least there's non need to spread any rumours with this one!

(Sorry, couldn't help myself with that pun )