S&C closed North of Kirkby Stephen

[70014IronDuke]

Well, it seems that NR have been doing their best to get the line open, however circumstances are conspiring against them.

Quite worrying, really. If you look at the station usage figures, everyone was down in 2014/15 bar Settle.

And all these delays, cancellations and bustitutions are not going to do the figures any good this year.

 

[yorksrob]

Quite worrying, really. If you look at the station usage figures, everyone was down in 2014/15 bar Settle.

And all these delays, cancellations and bustitutions are not going to do the figures any good this year.

Indeed. The abysmal weather won't have helped 15/16 either.

All that I can say is, the line's still open to Appleby, so don't be put off visiting there and points South folks. Some fine scenery and pubs to enjoy.

 

[fsmr]

Link to press as posted one has changed http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/l...eeks--c8e2ef4b-2ac5-48ea-8766-9f466b05f7f2-ds

 

[trainmananthon]

Was speaking to a Skipton guard who was on one of the services from Appleby, and they said that a Network Rail chap had told them it could potentially be 20 weeks before they are able to fully reopen the line

 

[hassaanhc]

There appears to be confirmation that the line will be closed for "several months".

http://www.networkrailmediacentre.c...o-be-closed-for-several-months-after-landslip

Railway between Carlisle and Appleby to be closed for several months after major landslip

Friday 12 Feb 2016

Railway between Carlisle and Appleby to be closed for several months after major landslip:

The line between Carlisle and Appleby is to be closed for several months due to a major landslip involving an estimated 500,000 tonnes of earth.
The section, at Eden Brows on the Settle to Carlisle line, two miles north of Armathwaite, was closed by Network Rail on Tuesday (9 February) after aerial surveys and ground monitoring revealed the embankment had moved so much it was no longer safe to run trains.

The area of land affected by the landslip is more than 130m long and 70m wide.

Network Rail’s team of geotechnical specialists are carrying out detailed ground investigations using borehole equipment. The results of these comprehensive measurements will be used to design a lasting repair. At this stage it is not possible to provide an accurate timescale for the final repairs but it will take several months at least.

Martin Frobisher, Network Rail’s route managing director, said: “An estimated 500,000 tonnes of earth have moved already and the embankment is still moving. That's 10 times the weight of the QE2 ocean liner when it is fully loaded. The extent of this landslip means it is no longer safe for this section of railway to be open to trains.

“Our monitoring has detected a twist fault in the tracks caused by the ground movement. The slip is accelerating and it is not safe to run trains in this situation.

“Our engineers on site are undertaking detailed ground surveys and this will enable us to design a permanent and lasting repair.

“Network Rail's contractors have already started to build access roads and compounds so we can get our heavy machinery to where it is needed. This will enable us to start construction work as soon as the design is finalised.

“The River Eden has severely eroded the base of the embankment. This, combined with the recent repeated storms and saturated ground, caused the landslip.

“This is a vital rail link across the north of England and I am very aware of how important the railway is to the local community and local economy.

“I can assure everyone that we are doing all we can to design a lasting solution and to reopen the railway as quickly as possible. We will continue to work with Northern Rail to keep passengers and communities informed of what we are doing and the progress we are making.”

Alex Hynes, managing director for Northern Rail comments: “This is clearly another challenging and complex engineering project for Network Rail to tackle. While their engineers assess the extent of the work, we will continue to ensure our customers are kept on the move, up to date with the latest information and that disruption is kept to a minimum.

“We will be operating train services between Leeds and Appleby with a replacement bus service running between Appleby and Carlisle. Timetable information will be available on our website. Please check www.northernrail.org for the latest news.”

The latest travel information is also available at www.nationalrail.co.uk.

 

[Blindtraveler]

bad news indeed, both for the area and its many visiters and residents but for freight and when the WCML reopens in Scotland long distance pax too as many use the S and C to access West Yorks as its cheeper!

 

[yorksrob]

And now the 9:47 Leeds to Appleby has been cancelled.

We're not having much luck this year.

 

[trainmananthon]

And now the 9:47 Leeds to Appleby has been cancelled.

We're not having much luck this year.

RealTimeTrains has the following down as cancelled for today:

1M53 09:47 Leeds - Appleby
1E23 16:26 Appleby - Leeds

Both of which 'due to a planned cancellation by the train operator (PG).'

 

[yorksrob]

RealTimeTrains has the following down as cancelled for today:

1M53 09:47 Leeds - Appleby
1E23 16:26 Appleby - Leeds

Both of which 'due to a planned cancellation by the train operator (PG).'

Ah cheers. The other trains seem to be running normally, fortunately.

 

[trainmananthon]

Ah cheers. The other trains seem to be running normally, fortunately.

No worries.

The express services, if you can call them that, haven't run for the past couple of weeks now, but all being well they should be back on again next week.

 

[yorksrob]

No worries.

The express services, if you can call them that, haven't run for the past couple of weeks now, but all being well they should be back on again next week.

Ah thanks. I can see the logic of leaving out the fast train. I wish they could highlight it on NRE and the station boards!

 

[matacaster]

Blea Moor tunnel will need to be widened to UIC or greater initially for freight diversion and later eventual electrification. To do this will mean line closure for a protracted period at some time in the future. Could NR get their act together and take advantage of the closure north of Appleby by closing as far south as Ribblehead and boring out Blea Moor tunnel now?

I am not sure whether blasting is the best approach (as its very hard rock) or whether some sort of TBM might work (a modified redundant one from Crossrial perhaps?). Nonetheless, presented with the same issues, I reckon that the Midland Railway would have taken the opportunity afforded by the current closure to lessen future disruption and make the line one step closer to being fit for purpose as a WCML and ECML diversionary route.

Opinions please?

 

[The Planner]

In a word no as it isn't a funded scheme let alone one that is even off a fag packet as far as I am aware. There isn't pots of money to just go off on a whim and do things. It wouldn't be to UIC anyway, W12 would be the best you would get and considering the route is only W7 it will take a lot more to be done on the entire route.

 

[Baxenden Bank]

Blea Moor tunnel will need to be widened to UIC or greater initially for freight diversion and later eventual electrification. To do this will mean line closure for a protracted period at some time in the future. Could NR get their act together and take advantage of the closure north of Appleby by closing as far south as Ribblehead and boring out Blea Moor tunnel now?

I am not sure whether blasting is the best approach (as its very hard rock) or whether some sort of TBM might work (a modified redundant one from Crossrial perhaps?). Nonetheless, presented with the same issues, I reckon that the Midland Railway would have taken the opportunity afforded by the current closure to lessen future disruption and make the line one step closer to being fit for purpose as a WCML and ECML diversionary route.

Opinions please?

Even if boring out the tunnel were desirable or necessary (why not single track instead) the design and mobilisation period would be significantly longer than the current closure.

In the photograph above, the galvanised steel railings and 'H' section girders supporting the walkway look quite new. Is this location one which has been a problem prior to the current landslip?

 

[30907]

In the photograph above, the galvanised steel railings and 'H' section girders supporting the walkway look quite new. Is this location one which has been a problem prior to the current landslip?

The walkway itself looks fairly new.

Can't answer directly, but the photo shows evidence of major drainage/stabilisation work on the cutting side just to the south.

 

[furnessvale]

In the photograph above, the galvanised steel railings and 'H' section girders supporting the walkway look quite new. Is this location one which has been a problem prior to the current landslip?

AIUI it is the same location that gave trouble just a few days before.

The new handrail etc would be part of that repair.

Having got the line open, it seems to have started moving again, this time big style and it looks like a much bigger job.

 

[QueensCurve]

http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/l...times-8a085146-3ffc-4323-ba6f-12c2ad785cf8-ds

This link from the news and star features a steam loco delivering ballast...
is this a good PR photo or are we really using steam for engineering - and if so why? anyone know?

That News and Star Story predates Network Rail's closure of the route.

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

Woops. Son's Christmas present was for wife and self to go on 'The Pendle Dalesman' next wednesday. Was looking forward to steam hauled over the Settle Carlisle line.

Not sure if your Pendle Dalesman did run, but I think some steam charters and maybe diesel charters too, are running along the Cumbrian coast line instead.

I hope that they can get the S&C Line open soon, it is a major blow for that region having part of it shut, after all the other problems recently in that whole area.

 

[trubla]

Not sure if your Pendle Dalesman did run, but I think some steam charters and maybe diesel charters too, are running along the Cumbrian coast line instead.

I hope that they can get the S&C Line open soon, it is a major blow for that region having part of it shut, after all the other problems recently in that whole area.

Have been informed by WestCoast Railways that Pendle Dalesmen is running with different route, Northwards over Shap to Carlisle and returning via Cumbrian Coast. As I've not done part of the Cumbrian coast line before maybe not so bad after all. Wife still not happy about the very early start though at Coventry ( 05 17 )

 

[QueensCurve]

Blea Moor tunnel will need to be widened to UIC or greater initially for freight diversion and later eventual electrification. To do this will mean line closure for a protracted period at some time in the future. Could NR get their act together and take advantage of the closure north of Appleby by closing as far south as Ribblehead and boring out Blea Moor tunnel now?

Desireable future proofing perhaps, but is anyone willing to spend the money needed for something not presently essential?

The old Midland route to Carlisle would be way down the list of priorities for widening to UIC. Commuter routes with the potential for double deck stock would be much higher.

Likewise electrification of the route is not programmed in the present priorities.

Even if there were the will to do it, it would be a major project needing lots of planning. There may be the opportunity to plan in smaller, more immediately needed projects during a prolonged closure, but giving Blea Moor a rebore would be too much.

 

[yorksrob]

Desireable future proofing perhaps, but is anyone willing to spend the money needed for something not presently essential?

The old Midland route to Carlisle would be way down the list of priorities for widening to UIC. Commuter routes with the potential for double deck stock would be much higher.

Likewise electrification of the route is not programmed in the present priorities.

Even if there were the will to do it, it would be a major project needing lots of planning. There may be the opportunity to plan in smaller, more immediately needed projects during a prolonged closure, but giving Blea Moor a rebore would be too much.

If they were going to, would they not just drop the tunnel floor - as I believe they did at Ipswich, rather than go for a complete re-bore ?

If you did have it closed all the way down to Ribblehead, it would be a very long bustitution. When I re-used it recently, there seemed to be plenty of people changing to the bus at Appleby, so there still seem to be quite a few through passengers using it by the looks of things.

 

[aylesbury]

I remember watching a dvd of a trip on the S&C and saw special sections alongside the track to strengthen the formation.The commentary said that this was because of landslip problems on the northern half of the line from long ago.

 

[Roose]

Have been informed by WestCoast Railways that Pendle Dalesmen is running with different route, Northwards over Shap to Carlisle and returning via Cumbrian Coast. As I've not done part of the Cumbrian coast line before maybe not so bad after all.|

Not bad at all.

The Furness Riviera is bracing in February.

 

[Solent&Wessex]

Some ticket advice during the closure:

Settle & Carlisle line disruption – ticketing brief

Due to the partial closure of the Settle & Carlisle line between Carlisle and Appleby, Northern Rail is working in conjunction with our colleagues at First TransPennine Express and Virgin Trains West Coast who have agreed to the following routing easements.

Start date: Sunday 21 February 2016

End date: until further notice

Origin station

Carlisle, Dalston (Cumbria), Wigton, Brampton (Cumbria), Wetheral and stations north of Carlisle

Note customers from Armathwaite, Lazonby and Langwathby must travel on the replacement bus via Appleby; these tickets are not valid via Carlisle

Destination station

Any station in West Yorkshire, stations in the Harrogate / York area

Tickets routed ‘Via Appleby’ or ‘Via Appleby Dumfries’

Will be accepted as follows;

On First TransPennine Express and Virgin Trains West Coast services;

* between Carlisle - Lancaster / Preston

On Northern Rail services

* Lancaster to Leeds via Skipton

* Preston to York via Blackburn and Halifax

This will apply in both directions.

This arrangement offers customers the choice of using the replacement bus between Carlisle and Appleby to connect with the amended Settle and Carlisle line train service to / from Leeds or for customers to travel via the West Coast main line and change at Lancaster or Preston to connect into Northern Rail services to / from Leeds.

Tickets will not be honoured via Manchester. Customers wishing to travel via Manchester must be issued with the appropriate route ‘Any Permitted’ ticket.

 

[185143]

Some ticket advice during the closure:

Will this also apply to Northern's £10 newspaper offer does anyone know?

 

[crehld]

Some ticket advice during the closure:

Good to see travel being permitted via Lancaster. It seems to have taken a while for the TOCs to talk to each other and agree this sensible solution... although staff on the ground have been allowing travel via Lancaster since the line was first shut!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Will this also apply to Northern's £10 newspaper offer does anyone know?

The Northern only £10 rover should permit travel on the replacement bus services which are operated by Northern. The operator restriction is very clearly marked on these tickets, but it might be worth asking Northern for clarification. That said I can't see how they would be permitted on Virgin and TPE services between Lancaster and Carlisle, unless you perhaps bought it before the disruption occurred (which isn't possible given you can only buy them a max of 3 days in advance).

 

[nitten_travell]

Some ticket advice during the closure:

Is there a link to this somewhere? I've found a very cheap fare Nottingham-Edinburgh via Appleby for £22 (vs almost £100 via York) for early April. The timetable makes no mention (yet) of a bus.

15:17-17:15 Nottingham-Leeds
18:06-20:52 Leeds-Carlisle
21:02-22:22 Carlisle-Edinburgh

The alternative, taking the 18:05 Leeds-Preston and a tight change there, is OK with me, I still arrive in Edinburgh at the same time.

I'd just like to be able to print out this advice from somewhere official. The Northern Rail website doesn't mention this anywhere I for northbound travel that I can find.

 

[PHILIPE]

I have seen a post on another Forum stating that Network Rail have arrived at a Plan as how to deal with the landslide issue and that it will take some considerable time to complete.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Is there a link to this somewhere? I've found a very cheap fare Nottingham-Edinburgh via Appleby for £22 (vs almost £100 via York) for early April. The timetable makes no mention (yet) of a bus.

15:17-17:15 Nottingham-Leeds
18:06-20:52 Leeds-Carlisle
21:02-22:22 Carlisle-Edinburgh

The alternative, taking the 18:05 Leeds-Preston and a tight change there, is OK with me, I still arrive in Edinburgh at the same time.

I'd just like to be able to print out this advice from somewhere official. The Northern Rail website doesn't mention this anywhere I for northbound travel that I can find.

It probably doesn't mention a bus because Network Rail are unable to put a definite date on the re-opening. It will probably just be up-dated as time progresses, but from info it will still be a bus in early April.

 

[Solent&Wessex]

Is there a link to this somewhere? I've found a very cheap fare Nottingham-Edinburgh via Appleby for £22 (vs almost £100 via York) for early April. The timetable makes no mention (yet) of a bus.

15:17-17:15 Nottingham-Leeds
18:06-20:52 Leeds-Carlisle
21:02-22:22 Carlisle-Edinburgh

The alternative, taking the 18:05 Leeds-Preston and a tight change there, is OK with me, I still arrive in Edinburgh at the same time.

I'd just like to be able to print out this advice from somewhere official. The Northern Rail website doesn't mention this anywhere I for northbound travel that I can find.

Afraid not, it was from an internal staff briefing document.

Which, incidentally, was subsequently amended to say that special offer tickets such as the MetroCard Winter S&C offer, and the Northern £10 Day ranger offer were NOT included in this relaxation and anybody with these tickets would need to use the replacement bus service.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Will this also apply to Northern's £10 newspaper offer does anyone know?

No. An amended brief was issued recently stating that special offer tickets such as the Metrocard Winter S&C Offer, the £10 Offer were excluded and they would need to use the bus.

 

[QueensCurve]

Network Rail have developed a solution to this:-

http://www.networkrailmediacentre.c...reed-for-settle-to-carlisle-railway-land-slip