Rail disruption warned after ‘huge’ landslip on London to Basingstoke line

Main disruption is predicted after a important railway line collapsed in a “enormous” landslip which left one observe hanging in mid-air.

The 44-metre landslip occurred on the embankment to the northeast of Hook station in Hampshire, on the road from London to Basingstoke.

The injury has left solely two of the four-track railway satisfactory, with each these tracks designed for London-bound trains solely.

South Western Railway is advising prospects to examine earlier than they journey and to plan various transport for journeys to or from the south or west of Basingstoke to London on Monday.

Network Rail Wessex route director Mark Killick stated: “It is a enormous landslip and could have an enormous impact on prospects. The primary line to Basingstoke is the backbone of our railway and there will likely be knock-on impacts throughout the route.

“I can solely apologise for the dimensions of the disruption and please ask that prospects examine earlier than they journey this week, not simply on the affected part, however all the best way up the road to London Waterloo, the place most of the trains that may use this part of railway begin and end their journeys.

“We’re nonetheless assessing the injury and it’s tough to place an in depth timescale in place, however we all know it’s going to be not less than per week.

“We might want to stabilise the embankment, basically stopping it shifting, after which rebuild the railway the place it has slid away.

“We’ll preserve everybody knowledgeable of our progress and I can solely say thanks to everybody for his or her persistence and apologise once more for the disruption. Please look out for additional updates from South Western Railway on the revised timetable, as soon as this has been capable of be confirmed.”

A Community Rail spokesman defined that the embankment was manufactured from a combination of London clay and different native soils which had change into saturated after days of heavy rain.

He stated: “The slip occurred when the soil gave means alongside a 44-metre part of 10m-high embankment, sliding out from beneath the tracks, in what engineers name a ‘rotational failure’.

“Community Rail and its suppliers are engaged on designs for the work wanted to restore the railway, which can give a clearer concept of timescales.

“As well as, a practice plan to supply journey choices for purchasers on the route will likely be printed as quickly as potential.