Major train problems strike region

There has been major disruption on the local rail network once again today as trains between Leeds and Hull were suspended following a problem with the line at Selby, also causing problems further down the line at Howden.

National Rail reported that Hull Trains, Northern and TransPennine Express services had been disrupted following a problem with the line at Selby. A spokesperson for Network Rail confirmed that on the hottest day of the year so far (Tuesday, July 19, 2016), the heat had caused a part of the line to expand and buckle. Engineers were immediately on scene to correct the issue and the line re-opened at 1.30pm, with delays expected to continue until 4pm today.

A train turned back from its ongoing journey to Selby then caused problems on the line at Howden, as the points became jammed, resulting in the train returning to Brough. This issue has now been resolved.

Rail traffic into Selby also ground to a halt yesterday as a problem with the swing bridge meant that services were suspended from 2.20-3.30pm. The problem was with a computer error on the track on Selby Bridge, failing to make a ‘connection’ and realise the bridge was closed.

Network Rail confirmed: ‘The problem with the river bridge at Selby has been fixed and lines have reopened. Trains through the station may be delayed by up to 60 minutes as services return to normal. This is expected to continue until 4pm.

‘We are sorry for the disruption to passengers caused by the issues at Selby swing bridge yesterday and today.

‘The issue today was caused by the rails expanding in the heat.  On warm days, rails in direct sunshine can be as much as 20 degrees centigrade above air temperature. As rails are made out of steel, they expand as they heat up and are subject to strong compression.  After the bridge swung to allow river traffic through the rail expansion meant it couldn’t re-close fully.

‘Our engineers went to site and carried out work to adjust the rails, allowing the bridge to close and train services to run again from 1.30pm.’

Buses are being provided to allow passengers to complete their journeys. For travellers via:

TransPennine Express – Your ticket will be accepted on Northern services between Selby and Leeds, and also on Virgin Trains East Coast, CrossCountry, and Hull Trains on any reasonable route.

Northern – Your train will be replaced by a bus between York and Selby, and between Selby and Hull.

Hull Trains  – Your train may be diverted between Hull and Doncaster via the line through Goole.

•If you are at Hull travelling to Howden and Selby, please see station staff at Hull for road transport.

•If you are at Howden or Selby, taxis have been sent to the front of the station.

•If you are travelling towards London please take the first available service from Doncaster.

•If you are travelling to Selby or Howden from the South, get off the train at Doncaster where alternative road vehicles are waiting so you can continue your journey.