Great Western Coffee Shop

Flooding affecting the down line between Swindon and Chippenham has resulted in cancellation of some Trans Wilts services

Indeed - I guess it would be too simplistic to suggest that the TransWilts run to and from the down platform at Chippenham with main line connections on the remaining through (up) line.

It feel like all lines are equal - but some are more equal than others!

Date?

27th rather that 26th.   Mind you, it's the effect of it peeing down all day on 26th!

The flooding location is between Christian Malford and Dauntsey, unsurprisingly at the location where the track has been lowered to allow the overhead wires to pass under the two listed and protected bridges (Dauntsey Road/Bright's Farm Road and Bright's Farm footbridge).

Hmmm ... if it's "unsurprising" then presumably someone has done a risk / frequency evaluation and concluded that a bit of flooding from time to time, with the disruption it causes, is cheaper than providing something that stands up to all weather events??

So should we expect to see line closures due to flooding several times a year, every couple of years, or is this regarded as "once in 40 years"?    Seems a bit ironic to have introduced a new flooding problem when so much trouble and expense has been gone to over Chipping Sodbury tunnel.

The consultation documents that I read prior to the lowering work taking place acknowledged the increased risk of flooding as a consequence. How often this was perceived to happen I do not know. Network Rail would undoubtedly have preferred to convert the bridges to accommodate overhead wires as per the one at Dauntsey, but the listing of the two structures has left us with what we have. A trade off between heritage and operational requirements.

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1409182

That's rather forward of you!  ;)

I think we may be getting the answer - 19:57 Swindon to Westbury delayed due to flooding between Swindon and Chippenham ... not sure where on that stretch though ...

Obviously between Wootton Bassett and Chippenham because the Hullavington route is open and being used for diversions

Pictured on Paddington 24/7 a few minutes ago.  Interesting to see the different track levels and water levels

Really must catch up with my recordings on the Sky Box, still watching programmes with post Christmas sales in the ad breaks!