Rail bosses say trains will run slower because the CLAY soil under the c2c lines has SHRUNK following the DRIEST spring since 1974. Network Rail is applying speed restrictions “to keep everyone moving safely” and customers are being advised to check the amended timetable before they travel.
“The track has been affected by the driest spring in more than 50 years. The clay soil underneath the c2c lines has shrunk following the prolonged spell of dry weather, causing the track to drop in places and become uneven,” said Network Rail. "To keep everyone moving safely, Network Rail will apply speed restrictions. As trains will have to operate at slower speeds, some journeys will take a few minutes longer than usual, so trains may run at slightly different times. A small number of services each day will be altered to start or terminate early or not stop at some stations.”
It said engineers would be using machines called tampers and stoneblowers to correct the level of the track and create a solid foundation so that trains can run smoothly.
“In the last year, Network Rail has dropped 12,600 tonnes of ballast across the route to try to minimise the effects of clay shrinkage, but an exceptionally dry spring this year has meant that it hasn’t been possible to eliminate track issues,” it added.
One commuter said: “I’ve heard of trains being delayed for leaves on the line and the wrong type of snow, now the delays are due to the wrong type of soil!”
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