A major recovery operation is underway on the railway’s West Coast Main Line following Storm Eowyn.
Gusts in Cumbria reached 83mph and Network Rail said the storm brought over 60 incidents of flying debris, collapsed walls and even a roof which affected the West Coast Mainline.
Today, Saturday January 25, the recovery operation continues to repair the damage to the West Coast Main Line, the Cumbrian coastline, Settle to Carlisle and the Morecambe and Windemere branch lines.
Additional chainsaw teams are in place removing trees that have come down in the high winds and obstructing tracks.
A helicopter was deployed from Manchester to carry out a specialist aerial survey to establish areas which need attention.
Network Rail said it meant specially trained staff can then be sent directly to site to carry out the repairs needed.
No Avanti services are running north of Preston to and from Glasgow and Edinburgh. TransPennine Express services will not operate north of Carlisle.
Phil James, North West route director at Network Rail, said: “I’m extremely proud of my teams who’ve battled difficult conditions to ensure we can get the railway back up and running for passengers as soon as possible.
“Our use of technology and helicopter inspections from above, are hugely important to ensure we can respond quickly and effectively.”
