Landslip causes local rail travel chaos

Written by Louise Jamison, JMU Journalism
March 2, 2020
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The landslip which has caused disruption to rail services. Pic © Network Rail

Train passengers are facing delays and disruption following a landslip on the railway line between Crewe and Liverpool, as a result of Storm Jorge and recent bad weather.

The incident happened at Weaver Junction near Acton Bridge yesterday evening as the earth next to the track became over-saturated from the adverse rain, causing the land to drop 1.5 metres.

Network Rail has started to carry out emergency repairs. However, due to the scale of the landslip, the work is expected to take several days to complete, causing problems along the West Coast main line throughout the week.

Avanti West Coast reported services between Liverpool stations, Crewe, Runcorn and Warrington Bank Quay are likely to be affected.

A statement on the firm’s website said: “Due to a landslip between Crewe and Weaver Junction fewer trains are able to run on the line towards Crewe. Replacement road transport services are conveying passengers between Liverpool Lime Street and Crewe via Runcorn in both directions until further notice.”

YouTube: Louise Jamison

As a result, trains will be unable to call at Runcorn in both directions, and journey times may also be extended by up to 60 minutes. Buses are set to replace trains between Lime Street and Crewe as repair work is undertaken.

Tim Shoveller, managing director for Network Rail’s North West and Central region, said: “Sorry to all passengers affected by this emergency line closure. Safety is our priority and the seriousness of this landslip means we’ve had no choice but to close one line at Dutton Viaduct.

“Our engineers will be working round the clock to make the railway safe again for passengers.

“I’d urge anyone travelling on the West Coast main line or in the Merseyside area to check before they travel over the next few days as major disruption is expected. I thank people for their patience while we work as hard as we can to get the railway open again.”

Twitter: Network Rail Liverpool

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