DCSIMG

Sponsored by Vauxhall Corsa
Rail bosses in drought journey delays battle


Published on Monday 20 February 2012 08:24

PASSENGERS travelling on the Fen Line between Lynn and Ely have been experiencing delays because of speed limits imposed along some stretches of track.

Network Rail says the effects of drought conditions, after below average rainfall and above average temperatures over the last six months, have led to the restrictions in place between Downham and Littleport.

Spokesman Sam Kelly explained the conditions have caused the peat soil under the rail line to dry out and shrink, meaning the track can move unexpectedly and become bumpy.

She said: “In some cases, it has also caused the track to move out of alignment with the overhead wires that provide power to trains.

“Network Rail has a programme of work under way to stabilise the track bed, meaning we can gradually increase speed limits on affected sections before removing the restrictions altogether.

“This work will cover the whole route between King’s Lynn and Littleport, not just those areas that currently have speed restrictions in place.”

To help stabilise the soil near the track, some trees alongside the line are being removed. Extra ballast is also being added and rammed down tightly to make the track firmer.

Following the first phase of this work, the speed limit between Downham and Littleport has been increased from 40mph to 60mph, where trains usually travel at nearer 90mph.

The spokesman said: “Our aim is to remove all speed restrictions in the coming weeks, provided the ground conditions continue to improve as planned.

“We understand that journey times are affected by these speed restrictions and are sorry for any delays that people experience while we deal with this issue.”

A First Capital Connect spokesman said the restrictions had added up to a maximum of five minutes on journey times between Lynn and Cambridge.


Find It

"Business owner? - Claim your business and Advertise with us"

In association with qype logo

Looking for...

Featured advertisers

Jobs

Search for a job

Motors

Search for a car

Property

Search for a house

Weather for King's Lynn

Sunday 27 May 2012

5 day forecast

Today

Sunny

Sunny

Temperature: 9 C to 26 C

Wind Speed: 17 mph

Wind direction: East

Tomorrow

Sunny

Sunny

Temperature: 10 C to 24 C

Wind Speed: 10 mph

Wind direction: North

Press Complaints Commission

This website and its associated newspaper adheres to the Press Complaints Commission’s Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then contact the Editor by clicking here.

If you remain dissatisfied with the response provided then you can contact the PCC by clicking here.

Lynn News provides news, events and sport features from the King's Lynn area. For the best up to date information relating to King's Lynn and the surrounding areas visit us at Lynn News regularly or bookmark this page.