Thursday, March 28, 2024
- Advertisement -
Home Network Rail Complex recovery continuing one week on from Carlisle train derailment

Complex recovery continuing one week on from Carlisle train derailment

Over a week on from the accident, engineers are continuing the complex task of recovering several freight wagons carrying powdered cement, which derailed a week ago near Carlisle.

The incident happened shortly after 8pm at Petteril Bridge Junction and saw the locomotive and five of its 14 wagons leave the tracks. One wagon slid into the river Petteril.

On its journey between Clitheroe and Carlisle, each wagon was filled with 80 tonnes of powdered cement.  This hefty load has made recovery a tricky task, with each wagon having to be emptied before the 20-tonne wagon can be safely lifted out of harm’s way.

Advertisement

Specialist contractors have been undertaking this painstaking task, and so far, more than 110 tonnes of cement have been extracted from the five affected wagons. It’s estimated that all of the material will be emptied from them by the start of next week.

Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director, said: “I’d like to once again thank people for their patience while we continue our difficult work to recover the derailed freight wagons.

“We’re working with multiple agencies to get to a point where the recovery operation can end and our major railway repairs can begin. There is still a lot of work to be done until we get to that point though, so I’d encourage passengers to check National Rail Enquiries if they are planning to make any journeys through the area over the next several weeks.”

Of the five wagons which came off the tracks, two have been righted on the rails, and the remaining three will need to be lifted out by crane. However, the complex work that is taking place continues to be hampered by the tricky location in which the incident occurred. The ground conditions are unstable, and plans are still being finalised for the transportation and construction of the large crane needed to lift the wagons so they can be taken away by rail accident investigators.

An initial report published by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch found that a fault with a train wheel was the most likely cause of the derailment

The Environment Agency is continuously monitoring the work and ensuring that have been no spillages into the river Petteril during the recovery process.

Meanwhile, rail replacement buses will continue to keep passengers on the move for the foreseeable future with train lines expected to be closed well into November.

This is impacting all services which run on the Tyne Valley line between Carlisle and Newcastle and the Settle to Carlisle line between Carlisle, Appleby and Skipton.

Kerry Peters, regional director for Northern, said: “We continue to work closely with Network Rail to minimise disruption for our customers while the recovery operation takes place. Customers should still check before they travel and plan for longer journey times. We will share updates on our website and via social media when they become available.”

It’s recommended passengers should check www.nationalrail.co.uk or with train operator for the latest travel information.

image_pdfDownload article

Most Popular

DRS takes delivery of 25 new JNA-Z box wagons from VTG Rail UK

Direct Rail Services (DRS) has taken delivery of a fleet of 25 brand new JNA-Z box wagons from VTG Rail UK, the country’s leading...

SYSTRA employee named one of Planner Magazine’s Women of Influence 2024

The Planner Magazine has selected Jenny Jefferies, Technical Expert - Consents at SYSTRA, as one of its Women of Influence for 2024. Jenny, who is...

ORR review leads to 50 per cent reduction in maximum fees for ticket refunds

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has announced that, thanks to new rules, the maximum fee that train operators and ticket retailers can...

East West Rail to hold drop-in events ahead of statutory consultation

East West Railway Company (EWR) will hold a series of information events in May, helping people to understand how the formal application process to...
- Advertisement -