Major West Coast Main Line disruption and GWR suspends train services
Travelers using the West Coast Main Line should be aware of significant service disruptions between Milton Keynes and Rugby caused by serious flooding on the tracks after Storm Bert.
All train service has been halted at Northampton station this morning (Monday, November 25) due to significant flooding caused by the River Nene overflowing. The flooding has affected both the railway and the surrounding area.
Great Western Railway has halted train services on all major routes due to flooding and fallen trees that have obstructed access at important areas within the network.
On Monday morning, the train company expressed their apologies for the travel interruptions. They mentioned that both Network Rail and GWR staff are diligently working throughout the network and will conduct checks to reopen the routes as soon as they can. They also warned that the disruptions are likely to continue until at least the end of the day on Monday.
Concerning Northampton, Network Rail is collaborating closely with its train service partners, London Northwestern Railway and Avanti West Coast, to ensure that passengers can continue their journeys on the West Coast Main Line, as trains are currently being rerouted away from Northampton.
Carole Bayliss, who oversees strategy for Network Rail’s West Coast South route, expressed her apologies to passengers affected by the flooding in Northampton, which is expected to cause significant disruptions on the West Coast Main Line today.
“As our teams keep an eye on water levels and prepare for a safe assessment of the flood damage to the railway, we encourage passengers to check with National Rail Enquiries before setting off on their journeys.”
Jonny Wiseman, the customer experience director at London Northwestern Railway, explained that the recent heavy rain and the resulting accumulation of water in the Northampton region are affecting all train services passing through the station, as well as access to the nearby depot.
"We recommend that our customers review their travel plans before heading out, as we anticipate ongoing delays and disruptions throughout the day across our network."
Flooding is likely to cause major disturbances to train services throughout the day, as engineers keep an eye on water levels and check for any damage to the tracks and signaling systems. Local roads in Northampton are also affected, which means that rail replacement buses are unable to operate at this time.
Travelers are encouraged to verify details prior to their journey by visiting www.nationalrail.co.uk or reaching out to their train service provider.
