Rail Services Disrupted by Drought Conditions

South Western Railway has announced alterations to its train schedules and a reduction in operating speeds in response to ongoing hot and dry weather conditions. This measure is necessary because the persistent drought is affecting the ground beneath the railway lines, as reported by The Guardian.

Impact on Services

Read Next in Barnet Press2 min read

Arsenal Pursue Bruno Guimaraes Amid Newcastle Rejections

Newcastle United has rejected multiple offers from Arsenal for midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, who is reportedly open to a move.

From Monday, August 10, train services between Yeovil and Exeter St Davids will operate on a reduced frequency, with trains running only once every two hours. Passengers travelling between London Waterloo and Exeter should anticipate longer journey times, potentially up to 27 minutes more than usual. Full details of these changes are available on the company's website.

Similar actions are being taken by rail operators in the east of England. Network Rail had previously stated that speed restrictions and timetable adjustments would be in effect from August 3, affecting routes operated by Great Northern, Greater Anglia, and c2c, as well as the eastern section of the Elizabeth line. These measures are expected to remain in place until ground conditions improve.

Understanding the Cause

Related Borough Coverage3 min read

Burnham launches £31bn submarine programme phase

New contracts worth £8.4bn to support 18,000 extra jobs in nuclear defence by 2030.

The disruptions are attributed to 'soil moisture deficit' (SMD), a phenomenon caused by low rainfall in spring followed by a hot, dry summer. Many railway embankments are constructed on clay soil, which normally holds significant moisture. Prolonged drought causes this soil to shrink, destabilising the ground supporting the tracks and leading to shifts in sleepers and track geometry. Even minor alterations in track alignment necessitate trains running at reduced speeds for safety.

Lawrence Bowman, the managing director of SWR and Network Rail Wessex, noted that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. He stated that this is the second consecutive year that prolonged hot and dry weather has impacted the SWR network. Bowman added that investments have been made to strengthen the route and carry out extensive work on tracks and embankments since last summer, resulting in reduced journey time increases compared to the previous year.

Network Rail's Response

Network Rail employs specialised machines called tampers to address the effects of dried-out soil. These machines lift the track, insert stone ballast beneath it, and create a stable foundation. New ballast is also added to raise track levels. Last year, approximately 62 miles of track on Anglia routes were treated using tampers. This year, 49,000 tonnes of ballast are expected to be used to maintain track smoothness.