Severn Tunnel - engineering improvements, events, incidents and history - merged posts

[whole diary]

[JayMac]

Broken rail on the down line. I believe an ex Paddington was caped at BPW^» (Bristol Parkway - next trains) and an ex Taunton was caped at BRI^» (Bristol Temple Meads - next trains). Other services were subject to delays and cancellations. Not sure as to the exact location. Was told by an 'on the cushions' driver on my return from Cardiff yesterday evening that the broken rail was actually in the tunnel. I was unable to get any further verification of this after speaking to staff at BPW.

[Tim]

Broken rail in the tunnel is not good.  I was under the impression that the track in the tunnel was maintained to such a high standard that such things wouldn't happen.

[eightf48544]

Isn't it slab track in the tunnel?

[Tim]

don't know.  Stanley Hall writes in one of his "accident books" that the track in the tunnel used to be removed long before its normal life-span had been reached and relaid somewhere else on the mainline.

[Tim]

In 1999 the HSE^▸ (Health and Safety Executive) raised concerns about the state of the track in the tunnel.  http://www.gov-news.org/gov/uk/news/severn_tunnel_hse_prohibit_trains_running/46103.html

Because of the tunnel length and evacuation/rescue difficulties etc, this ought to be teh best maintained bit of track onteh whole of the GWML^▸ (Great Western Main Line).

[inspector_blakey]

It probably is - remember that a "broken rail" can cover a whole range of situations from a slight crack in the rail head to a full break. I'm just guessing but it's possible that a relatively minor flaw was found and these measures put in place to be extra careful given that it's in the tunnel.

Not like America or Canada where on remote freight lines a broken rail is apparently often only discovered when the dispatch (signalling) centre loses the track circuit because the rail's completely broken.

[Toiletdriver]

In 1999 the HSE^▸ (Health and Safety Executive) raised concerns about the state of the track in the tunnel.  http://www.gov-news.org/gov/uk/news/severn_tunnel_hse_prohibit_trains_running/46103.html

Because of the tunnel length and evacuation/rescue difficulties etc, this ought to be teh best maintained bit of track onteh whole of the GWML^▸ (Great Western Main Line).

That was in Railtrack days, a lot better under Notwork Rail.

[Tim]

It probably is - remember that a "broken rail" can cover a whole range of situations from a slight crack in the rail head to a full break. I'm just guessing but it's possible that a relatively minor flaw was found and these measures put in place to be extra careful given that it's in the tunnel.

Not like America or Canada where on remote freight lines a broken rail is apparently often only discovered when the dispatch (signalling) centre loses the track circuit because the rail's completely broken.

good point.  Might be more diplomatic and less aarmist for the TOCs^▸ (Train Operating Company) to talk about a "rail defect" if that is all it is

[matt473]

I was caught up in this and apparently was on one of the first few services allowed through tunnel. We were told there was a problem inside the tunnel so putting things together does suggest there was a broken line in the tunnel. No wonder there were severe delays

[158747]

Isn't it slab track in the tunnel?

No, just normal concrete sleepers

[JayMac]

I got caught up in delays following the closure of the Severn Tunnel around midday this past Wednesday, 30th Nov.

A little frustrating as it put the ky-bosh on my carefully laid plans for day one of my Wales Flexipass odyssey. The up side though was a bash on a HST^▸ (High Speed Train) from Bristol Parkway (reverse Filton Abbey Wood) to Newport via Gloucester and Chepstow. Didn't get to Maesteg or the Vale of Glamorgan Line. Consoled myself with a trip on the Class 121 Bubble Car to Cardiff Bay.

The Train Manager was excellent in keeping us informed, apologising and sorting out connections although I didn't find out what the actual cause of the problem was. I was told variously; that there was a track defect, that a freight train had reported striking something, and today I was told a passenger train decided to start shedding components.

Anyone able to throw more light on what went on in the stygian depths below the Severn Estuary?

I'm also wondering what sort of delay compensation I will get with my split tickets consisting of an Anytime Return to Caldicot and a Wales Flexipass 4 in 8 day rover.

[anthony215]

I did get an email earlier today stating that there was a class 143 in the network rail sidings at Severn Tunnel Junction so this may have something to do with it.

Not sure if it was a FGW^▸ (First Great Western) or ATW^▸ (Arriva Trains Wales (former TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company))) class 143 however

[Chris from Nailsea]

From WalesOnline:

Updated: rail delays after metal sheet blocks Severn Tunnel

Rail passengers have endured several hours of delays after a large sheet of metal tarpaulin is believed to have been blown into the Severn Tunnel.

A train was already in the tunnel when strong gusts of wind carried the metal to obstruct its path shortly before midday today. The train was eventually guided out of the tunnel by another train.

By 1.30pm, 22 trains had been affected and nine part-cancellations made following the incident.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: ^Around about 11.40 an obstruction was reported in the tunnel. A sheet of tarpaulin blew into the tunnel, apparently it^s quite windy there today.

^Engineers are on site to check if there is any damage to the tunnel. We don^t expect there will be any damage.^

A spokesman for Arriva Trains Wales said their services do not go through Severn Tunnel, although some delays may be expected due to the service recovery of First Great Western trains along the Newport to Carmarthen line.

He added: ^We will allow passengers travelling on First Great Western trains onto our services.^

Disgruntled passengers turned to Twitter with complaints about the delays.

Roger Williams said: ^Severn Tunnel blocked by something. #firstgreatwestern train to Newport terminating at Bristol Parkway. Replacement bus to Newport ...^

Martin Weller wrote: ^Severn tunnel closed, can't say how long it will be. I only want to go to Parkway. Shoulda driven

A First Great Western spokeswoman said: ^The 0933 Exeter to Cardiff service struck a tarpaulin in the Severn Tunnel at approximately 12.00.

"All other services to and from Wales were immediately routed around the tunnel via Gloucester.

"An engineer is in attendance and we are working with Network Rail to get the train on the move again as safely and as quickly as possible.^

A spokeswoman for the rail operator First Great Western said she expected services to be running through the tunnel shortly.

[JayMac]

Aha!

Thanks for that Chris. My not knowing the specifics has been answered. 

I hope this piece of 'tarpaulin' was in some way linked to Network Rail. Else my delay compo may be denied as the disruption was not down to the rail industry. 3rd party tarp and wind..... 

Not the best written news item but I do like the headline: "...rail delays after metal sheet blocks Severn Tunnel." Conjures up images of a sheet so large that it covered the whole portal!

I think I may have to invest in a smartphone so I too can join in with the Twitterati.....

[readytostart]

From what I can remember my BlackBerry mentioned a Taunton to Cardiff train failed with a smashed gearbox after striking something in the tunnel.