Trains to run through Salisbury from Tuesday after crash
Repair work has been taking place over the last week
Last updated 12th Nov 2021
The railway line through Salisbury is on track to reopen on Tuesday (16th November) after the crash on Halloween.
After all carriages were removed from the track on Sunday (7th November) repair work began to get it back up and running.
Network Rail have now said that they are on track to reopen next week as works are set to finish on Monday (15th).
Following two weeks of the line being closed, Network Rail will spend a full day using its leaf-busting Rail Head Treatment Trains to jet wash the tracks free of any debris or leaf mulch.
A series of test trains will also run on the new infrastructure to check it is operating correctly before passenger services begin on Tuesday morning.
Network Rail’s route director for Wessex, Mark Killick, said:
“I really appreciate how patient everyone has been with us over the past week and a half, from customers who have had their journeys disrupted, to our neighbours who have had cranes outside their houses, London Road closed for a period, and people working 24 hours a day to repair the railway right in the middle of their neighbourhood.
“That work is going to continue until Monday, as we finish replacing damaged equipment and making sure the railway is fit for action again.
“Our railway is one of the safest in the world and when a rare incident like this happens, we have to find out exactly what went wrong. That’s why we’re working closely with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, British Transport Police and Office of Rail and Road on their investigations and we will be transparent and open with everyone when we know more about exactly what caused this.”
Almost 1,500 sleepers – the cross-ties that support the track – are being replaced, along with three sets of points, that allow trains to move from one track to another.
In addition, 1,000 yards of new track is being laid in the tunnel to provide a smoother ride for passengers.
Signalling equipment including track circuits – which tell operators where trains are – are also being repaired, replaced and thoroughly-tested before the line reopens.
Claire Mann, Managing Director of South Western Railway, said:
“This has been a difficult time for all those affected by last Sunday’s incident and I’d like to thank the Salisbury community, our customers and colleagues for all their help both on the night and over the last ten days.
“Many people rely on our services every day and I am sorry for the disruption this incident has caused and am grateful for their ongoing patience. We have worked tirelessly with Network Rail and our industry partners to reopen the railway and I look forward to welcoming customers back to our services on Tuesday”.