20.05.13
Spoil removal begins at Hatfield collapse site
Engineers have started to remove spoil from the rail line damaged by a landslip at Hatfield colliery. The incident has led to a series of engineering projects planned between May and November being replanned by Network Rail.
The line is now expected to be open in July, although it could still be as late as September.
Around 140 freight services are being diverted each day due to the damage, mainly on the Brigg line. First TransPennine Express is also introducing a new Sheffield to Cleethorpes service via the Brigg line.
Phil Verster, route managing director for Network Rail, said: “I want to thank passengers for their patience during this exceptionally difficult time. The size of the task facing us at Hatfield Colliery is one of the most complex I have faced in my rail career. Engineers have made excellent progress on site but the potentially dangerous nature of the material we are dealing with means repair has to be carefully and meticulously planned.
“The recent good weather means we have increased confidence that the railway will be restored in July. However that remains subject to weather conditions on site and the behaviour of the spoil, which can be unpredictable. Therefore we continue to aim for July but plan for a September restoration to make sure we have a clear, workable train plan should the works coincide with the resignalling programme at Nottingham, starting 20 July.
“I fully appreciate the importance of restoring a direct rail service to communities and businesses in Cleethorpes, Scunthorpe, Goole and other places affected by the Hatfield landslip. My team and I are committed to do so as quickly as is possible.
“We are working closely with the operators of passenger and freight traffic to make best use of the railway network during the disruption and there have been some difficult trade offs. Capacity on the diversionary routes through Brigg and Lincoln is limited and it is essential we provide capacity for the freight flows out of Immingham and Scunthorpe upon which our economy relies. I remain grateful for the patience of our communities, our passengers and our freight customers.”
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