Network Rail has issued an operational update after Storm Goretti brought challenging weather to the UK.
On Friday 9 January, the infrastructure manager said thousands of railway staff worked had through the night in difficult conditions and would continue work to get lines open in areas affected by the storm.
It added that much of the network was open and running normally – particularly in Eastern and South Eastern regions – but still advised customers to check their whole journeys before travelling, particularly if they were planning journeys into areas affected by the storm.
Very intense heavy snow hit West Midlands/Shropshire and Staffordshire on Thursday 8 January, along with high winds in the West Country and Wales. Network Rail said that railway staff were working to clear routes on Friday morning, with chainsaw gangs and snow ploughs ready to help them.
Passengers in the West Midlands around Birmingham were advised not to travel by train until at least 12.00 on Friday 9. It added that some lines in the region may remain closed until Saturday.
There was severe disruption in Wales, with many lines closed across the country. Network Rail advised customers to check their journeys before travelling. It added that a reduced timetable was in place on lines that are open, including those around Cardiff.
No trains will run between Sheffield and Manchester until Saturday, while no trains will run in Cornwall until 12.00 on the Plymouth to Penzance Main Line and later on Friday afternoon on branch lines.
Network Rail warned that there would be no trains on some routes around Manchester into the Peaks until Saturday, including Manchester-Hadfield and Manchester-Buxton.
Network Rail Regional Director, Jake Kelly, said: “Thousands of railway colleagues are doing everything they can to get the railway open in areas affected by Storm Goretti, but I would strongly advise passengers to check their journeys today as we know some lines won’t be able to run until Saturday.”
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