Storm Bert clean up: Passengers urged to check journeys as flood-damaged rail repairs continue in Northampton

Rail engineers continue to work around the clock to repair flood-damaged railway equipment in Northampton after the River Nene burst its banks on Monday (25 November).

Passengers are being advised that disruption on the West Coast Main Line through Northampton station is likely to continue for the rest of the week after severe flooding on Monday saw tracks, signals and other vital railway equipment submerged in water for many hours during Storm Bert.

Network Rail’s specialist response teams must now painstakingly clean, repair and test flood-damaged equipment to make sure that the signalling system – the traffic lights of the railway – is working as it should so that trains can safely run.

Due to the scale of the repairs, services are not expected to resume before Thursday 28 November, and passengers should prepare for disruption until the end of the week.

Gary Walsh, director for Network Rail’s West Coast South route, said: “We’re working as quickly as possible to repair the extensive damage caused by Storm Bert at Northampton station. Our priority is safety, so we’re carrying out rigorous checks and repairs on hundreds of pieces of signalling equipment to ensure everything works properly before reopening.

“Due to the complex nature of this work, we’re advising passengers that journeys through Northampton are likely to be disrupted for the rest of the week and we’re urging people to check before they travel with their train operator. We’re really sorry to everyone affected and will keep passengers informed about our ongoing repairs.”

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for London Northwestern Railway, added: "I’d like to thank our passengers for their continued patience and understanding while we work with Network Rail to reintroduce train services to Northampton.

“A temporary timetable will remain in operation on Wednesday, so I urge customers to check their journeys before setting out and allow extra time as rail replacement transport will be in use on some parts of the network.”

Network Rail is working closely with train operating partners London Northwestern Railway and Avanti West Coast to minimise disruption for passengers. Trains are being diverted away from Northampton, and London Northwestern Railway will continue to provide road replacement transport between Rugby-Northampton and Northampton-Milton Keynes.

Passengers are encouraged to check for the latest journey information at www.nationalrail.co.uk or their train operator before travelling.