02.03.18
Services disrupted after Storm Emma damages Dawlish sea wall
There are no services running on the line between Exeter and Plymouth following major storm damage to the sea wall at Dawlish, Network Rail has confirmed.
While there is no structural damage to either the wall or the railway, visual inspections prompted engineers to cancel any services amid safety concerns.
Network Rail found that 10-15m of fencing and associated coping stones had been damaged, with some blowing onto the track and creating a dangerous situation for trains.
Along with damage to the sea wall, a substantial amount of ballast has been blown across around 150m of track, which engineers now have to remove and replace.
“Team Orange will be working round the clock to make the railway safe so that it can reopen,” Mark Langman, Network Rail Western route managing director, said.
“There will be no services on this line today and we will issue an update later today confirming when we expect to reopen this section of the railway. Currently reopening is anticipated to be within the next 24-36 hours.”
Dawlish station itself has also suffered minor damage, with wooden panels and handrails washed onto the track and a small section of the platform damaged. Network Rail is working to make the damage safe, clear up the station, and cordon unsafe areas off in advance of station reopening.
Storm Emma has caused transport havoc across the UK this week, with a number of operators warning passengers not to travel amid fears that services could be cancelled or stations unsafe to access.
Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become an RTM columnist? If so, click here.