UK railway round-up

This week’s roundup of news from the UK railway industry.

• Latest service updates

Great Central Railway approves plans for £1m bridge replacement

The Great Central Railway PLC’s Board have approved for work on the replacement of Bridge 326 crossing the A60 adjacent to the former Brush Works in Loughborough to begin.

A purchase order has now been placed with VolkerLaser who are the preferred main contractors. Fabrication of the two new steel and concrete U decks will commence as soon as the final design work is completed by HBPW Consulting of Retford and the steel arrives at the fabricators, Carver Steel in Harworth, Doncaster.

Cracks in trains caused by excess movement and salt in the air 

Cracks on trains discovered last year were caused by excess movement and aluminium corroded by salt in the air, an investigation has found.

Fatigue cracking in the area above the wheels of Hitachi-built Class 800 trains was a result of the rolling stock experiencing more movement than allowed in original designs, rail safety regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) said.

Llangollen Railway revises spring timetable

The Llangollen Railway is reacting to the ‘very challenging’ situation of low coal stocks and rising fuel prices by revising its spring timetable.

A statement issued by the line read: “The Llangollen Railway currently holds good reserves of coal which were delivered before the hostilities began in Ukraine. Further stocks of Russian steam coal are still available in the UK, however, we do not feel it would be ethical to purchase any more given the horrific situation unfolding in Ukraine.

Nicola Sturgeon: Government must prove nationalising ScotRail is a good thing

The Scottish Government has to prove to the public that nationalising ScotRail is a good idea, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

Speaking as the rail service was brought back into public hands on Friday, the First Minister said change will not come “overnight” but that more direct ownership by ministers will make addressing issues easier.

Moorsline opens for 2022 today

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway opens today (April 4) for its 2022 season.

This year, passengers can hop on board and experience 24 miles of heritage railway, enjoying the scenery of the North York Moors National Park, including Goathland railway station, known as the filming location for the iconic Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and home to the popular TV series Heartbeat. 

Latest Service Updates

Gatwick Express  –  Gatwick Express services have been reinstated as of April 3rd 2022.
Hull Trains – Hull Trains are currently running a reduced service, in line with passenger demand and current government advice.

Transport For London Status

If you need to travel this weekend, here are planned works that may affect your journey.

Our transport network has never been cleaner. Imperial College London run monthly tests for coronavirus on the transport network and found no trace. You can read their recently published report.

Air continuously flows through all our trains, trams and buses. For example, on average, air in a Tube train changes every few minutes. Buses are fitted with air extraction and ventilation systems and we also leave windows open throughout the passenger area to keep a flow of fresh air.

Please continue to walk or cycle part of your journey where possible. If using public transport, travel during quieter times if you can. This will make social distancing easier. The quieter times to travel are:

• Between 08:15 and 16:00 and after 17:30 on weekdays
• Before noon and after 18:00 on weekends

Our TfL Go app can help you plan your journey and show the quieter times to travel. 

You must continue to wear a face-covering over your nose and mouth at all times when on the transport network, unless exempt. The overwhelming majority of people are complying with this requirement, and the British Transport Police, the Metropolitan Police and our own officers are on the network to check compliance. Fines of up to £6,400 exist for anyone who does not comply. 

Please also wash or sanitise your hands before and after travel.

London Underground Status

Due to the coronavirus, the following service changes will be in place until further notice. Please plan ahead and check before you travel.

• BAKERLOO LINE: Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 April, no service between Queens Park and Harrow & Wealdstone. 
• RMT STRIKE ACTION: There is planned strike action every Friday and Saturday night between 2030 and 0429 the following morning until Sunday 19 June. 
• DOCKLANDS LIGHT RAILWAY: Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 April, no service between Shadwell and Bank, please use Tower Gateway station instead.
• NORTHERN LINE: From Saturday 15 January until mid May 2022, no service between Moorgate and Kennington due to major upgrade works. 
• TFL RAIL: From 2200 Saturday 9 April, a reduced frequency, four trains an hour, operates between Paddington and Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3. 
• LONDON TRAMS: From Monday 4 until Wednesday 13 April, no service between Therapia Lane and Wimbledon.
• WATERLOO & CITY LINE: Closed on weekends and public bank holidays.

London Overground

• Changes to Clapham Junction to Dalston Junction services on Saturday 9 April: The 0600 first train from Clapham Junction to Dalston Junction will start from Battersea Park at 0603. 
• Changes to Stratford to Richmond / Clapham Junction train times on Saturday 9 April: The 0547 train from Willesden Junction to Stratford will start from Camden Road at 0611
• Changes to Stratford to Richmond / Clapham Junction train times on Sunday 10 April: The 0902 train from Willesden Junction to Stratford will start from Camden Road at 0924
• Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 April, no service between Euston and Watford Junction. No Bakerloo line service between Queens Park and Harrow & Wealdstone. 

Check before you travel and plan your journey ahead of time.