Heavy rain brought by Storm Franklin has led to severe flooding across parts of South and West Yorkshire, with passengers strongly advised to check their journey before they travel – and on some routes not to travel at all.
After significant damage was caused to the network by Storms Dudley and Eunice last week, torrential rain throughout the weekend has seen flooding in Rotherham, Doncaster, Kirkstall, Mirfield and parts of the Calder Valley line between Leeds and Manchester.
While Network Rail teams have spent the weekend monitoring water levels and attempting to clear water from the tracks, the following areas are impacted for the start of service today (Monday 21 Feb).
- Rotherham Central remains closed, with trains having been proactively suspended on Sunday 20 Feb
- No services are able to run from Swinton to Doncaster
- Flooding at Thackley Tunnel means no trains are running between Leeds and Ilkley/Shipley (video)
- Trains are unable to call at Mirfield
- Network Rail and operators are also making final checks on the condition of the Calder Valley between Leeds and Manchester via Bradford and Rochdale, with the hope that trains will be able to run later this moring although an amended timetable with be in operation
Passengers are strongly advised to check their journeys before they travel, and for some routes, not to travel at all.
Matt Rice, Route Director for Network Rail, said: “As we have seen across much of the network this week, severe weather brings severe challenges for the railway. My team have spent the weekend battling the elements but such heavy downpours brought by Storm Franklin have caused multiple sites to flood, which means trains are not able to serve some places for the start of service this morning.
“We would like to reassure passengers that we’ll be doing all that we can to get them moving again and we thank all those impacted for their patience.”
The continued adverse weather is expected to continue to cause disruption on many lines early this week.
Passengers are strongly urged to check their journey before travelling, which they can do via National Rail Enquiries.
TransPennine Express (TPE) is warning customers to plan ahead if they are travelling today (Monday 21 February) as the effects of Storm Franklin are being felt all across the railway network.
Services on TPE’s south route between Cleethorpes and Manchester are currently affected by flooding, with no trains able to run between Doncaster and Sheffield. As a result, TPE are currently running shuttle services between Cleethorpes – Doncaster and Sheffield – Manchester Piccadilly. Customers are advised to only travel on this route if their journey is essential.
Delays and disruption are also expected on the West Coast Mainline, customers travelling on the West Coast Mainline are advised to allow for additional time for travel.
A speed restriction is also in place on the East Coast Mainline affecting TPE services running between York and Newcastle, with delays and disruption to be expected.
Customers planning an essential journey should check carefully, right up to the last minute via the TPE website (www.tpexpress.co.uk), as services may be subject to short notice changes and potential delays and cancellations.
Kathryn O’Brien, Customer Experience Director for TransPennine Express said: “The past few days have been extremely difficult for everyone on the railway as we’ve been hit by three storms which have all caused significant disruption. We’d like to thank our customer for their patience as the industry comes together to get services back up and running.
“Unfortunately, Storm Franklin has given us another challenge to deal with and we are advising customers who are travelling to check for the latest travel updates on our website before they travel: https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/travel-updates.”
Sean Dyball, TfGM’s Head of Customer Experience, said: “Over the course of the weekend the severe weather caused by Storms Eunice and Franklin created a significant amount of disruption on travel across Greater Manchester.
“Local roads were affected by strong winds and flooding in some areas causing significant congestion and delays this morning – while the rail network and Metrolink saw a number of delays and cancellations caused by debris and trees blowing onto tracks.
“The storm which affected the city-region overnight is now starting to ease and is expected to have cleared by lunchtime, but there may be some further disruption into the evening commuter peak as engineers and transport staff work to clear blockages to lines and get services back up and running.
“As such we would ask people to only travel if absolutely necessary, allow extra time for their journeys – and check the TfGM website and social media for the latest updates.”
There were also no trains for several hours on Monday afternoon between London and Norwich because of a tree falling on the overhead wires near between Shenfield and Chelmsford.
Network Rail’s engineers worked to remove the tree and fix the damaged wires.
Ellie Burrows, Network Rails route director for Anglia, said: “Our teams have been working round the clock since Friday to repair damage caused by the storms across the rail network. We are working to restore services on this line as quickly as possible. I’d like to thank passengers for their patience.”
Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director said: “We’re asking passengers not travel until 5:30pm (Monday) between Liverpool Street and Chelmsford, while our colleagues at Network Rail replace the damage at Shenfield. People can also use their rail tickets on some local buses. Full details are on our website. It’s been another difficult day due to storm damage on the railway network. Thank you to all passengers who heeded our advice to only travel if it was essential.”
Passengers are advised to check with their train operator for the latest information.
Photo credit: Network Rail
