Usual services expected on Friday after derailment

20 hours ago

Andrew Dawkins & Andy GiddingsWest Midlands

Network Rail said it continued to be "a hugely challenging situation" following the derailment

Network Rail Two large freight wagons with their wheels off the tracks and overhead power lines above — Network Rail said it continued to be "a hugely challenging situation" following the derailment

Disruption caused by a freight train derailment in Wolverhampton on Tuesday is expected to end on Friday, said Network Rail.

Efforts would continue overnight and "providing the work progresses as planned", the railway would reopen for passengers for the start of service on Friday, it stated.

Major disruption was expected until the end of Thursday and services from Avanti West Coast (AWC), Transport for Wales (TfW) and West Midlands Railway (WMR) between Wolverhampton, Stafford and Shrewsbury may be delayed, cancelled or revised, National Rail said.

No-one was injured and no other trains were involved when a wagon derailed at Oxley at about 20:30 BST on Tuesday.

The challenges of safely rerailing a 100-tonne wagon, before being able to carry out extensive repairs to "significantly damaged track and overhead power lines" had meant it had "taken time to make good progress," said Network Rail.

At about 17:15 BST on Thursday, there were no trains running between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury, the company said.

It stated TfW was unable to operate its service to and from Birmingham Airport, with all journeys starting and ending at Shrewsbury.

'Wagon upright'

Buses would run between Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton as well as a shuttle service between Shrewsbury and Telford, Network Rail said.

The company said the derailed wagon remained upright and it continued to work with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.

Martin Colmey, operations director for Network Rail's Central route, said: "Thank you for everyone's patience while we manage this situation and please continue to check before you travel for the latest information."

AWC has said passengers who had their train cancelled could use their ticket on one of the two AWC services immediately before or after their intended journey time.

It stated that if passengers no longer wished to travel because of a delay or cancellation, they could request a full refund.

TfW and WMR have both said there would be rail replacement buses to take their passengers, but warned they would take longer than the equivalent rail service.

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