Phantom Phlood?

[whole diary]

[grahame]

09:03 Westbury to Swindon due 09:49

This train has been cancelled.This is due to flooding.

Where is the line flooded?   Surely it can't be someting to do with:

Train services between Swindon and Gloucester are being disrupted due to flooding in the Kemble area.Short notice alterations, cancellations and delays of up to 60 minutes can be expected.

as that's not even on the TransWilts which - as far as I can see - is flood free all the way from Salisbury to Swindon.

[eightf48544]

It couldn't be that flooding is an Act of God and therefore cancellations due to flooding don't count in the performance statistics?

[John R]

To be fair Graham, there are no services operating west of Swindon on the main line this morning. And with all London - Bristol services cancelled, as well as all London to West of England, I hardly think the Melksham train being cancelled is critical.

Passengers for Bristol and West of England are being advised to travel to Cheltenham and change there for XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) services. Nice! 

[grahame]

To be fair Graham, there are no services operating west of Swindon on the main line this morning. And with all London - Bristol services cancelled, as well as all London to West of England, I hardly think the Melksham train being cancelled is critical.

Utterly agreed, John.  At the time I posted, the full gory details of the depths of the problems (or depths of the water?) were not fully clear!

[G.Uard]

Problems between Swindon and Brizzle meant that some South Wales services were diverted via Gloucester then ran 'the back way' via Lydney and Severn Tunnel Junction.  The only time that XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) recognise the importance of Gloucester is when they have to divert from the Charfield Line.  In such cases, trains run from Cheltenham Spa, via Gloucester, down via Lydney to Newport and then reverse to take the S. Wales main line through the Tunnel to BPW^» (Bristol Parkway - next trains) for yet another reverse into Temple Meads and beyond.

[eightf48544]

It couldn't be that flooding is an Act of God and therefore cancellations due to flooding don't count in the performance statistics?

Oops my innate cynicism  showing through. Should have checked first.

Interesting point re XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) do they have to go all the way to Newport to reverse to get to the tunnel. Is there no reversing facility at Severn Tunnel Junction?

Wtih flash flooding seemingly getting more prevelent and affecting more lines We ought to start thinking about and emergency diversions plan and at least look at "what happens" if the line between X and Y is blocked and maybe heaven forbid possibly put in some infrastructure to allow for easier diversions and reversals.

The North curve at Bradford junction, reversal at Severn Tunnel junction.

Even worse Networkrail could start identifying potential flood spots, with the help of the EA and Met office and look at the drainage, culverts flood defenses in the area etc. and ensure they are well maintained or even improved.  But like spoiling the ship for a "ha'peth of tar" we won't believe a "stitch in time saves nine".

[John R]

Trains can indeed reverse at STJ^▸ (Severn Tunnel Junction railway station).

[Timmer]

Interesting point re XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) do they have to go all the way to Newport to reverse to get to the tunnel. Is there no reversing facility at Severn Tunnel Junction?

Better connections at Newport for passengers who would normally change at Bristol Parkway for South Wales. Going back to days of loco hauled services on Cross Country, Newport was a more suitable location to turn the loco around.