12.04.16
LU report warns 57 Tube stations at high flooding risk
A London Underground report says that 57 Tube stations are at high risk of flooding as a result of climate change.
The report, seen by RTM, says that 85 sites are at ‘high risk’, of which 57 are Tube stations, including Finsbury Park, Notting Hill Gate, Seven Sisters, Colliers Wood, Stockwell and Marble Arch. The rest are shafts and tunnel entrances.
Another 68 sites are at ‘significant risk’, including 23 stations.
The report says: “London has been fortunate to escape the worst of recent storm events in the UK, but it is only a matter of time before heavy rainfall seriously affects London and the underground network. The risk is generally expected to increase [as] climate change predictions are that storms will become more intense.”
Extreme weather linked to climate change has already closed the Newcastle-Carlisle line and the Lamington Viaduct and landslips near Hexham and Appleby.
George McInulty, London Underground’s programme director for eenewals, said: “Our customers are seeing record levels of performance on the Tube with delays cut by nearly 38% since 2011. Like other metros around the world, we examine the risk of flooding and other issues that might affect the smooth running of the Tube service and what we can do to mitigate these.
“Some parts of the Underground network are prone to flooding and we are investigating what more we can do to minimise any potential disruption this causes to our customers.”
Research published by RSSB last year warned that climate change will affect the resilience of the whole of the UK rail network.
(Image c. Matt Crossick from PA Archive/ Press Association Images)