Great Western Coffee Shop

Where is the line flooded?   Surely it can't be someting to do with:


as that's not even on the TransWilts which - as far as I can see - is flood free all the way from Salisbury to Swindon.

It couldn't be that flooding is an Act of God and therefore cancellations due to flooding don't count in the performance statistics?

To be fair Graham, there are no services operating west of Swindon on the main line this morning. And with all London - Bristol services cancelled, as well as all London to West of England, I hardly think the Melksham train being cancelled is critical.

Passengers for Bristol and West of England are being advised to travel to Cheltenham and change there for XC services. Nice! 

Utterly agreed, John.  At the time I posted, the full gory details of the depths of the problems (or depths of the water?) were not fully clear!

Problems between Swindon and Brizzle meant that some South Wales services were diverted via Gloucester then ran 'the back way' via Lydney and Severn Tunnel Junction.  The only time that XC recognise the importance of Gloucester is when they have to divert from the Charfield Line.  In such cases, trains run from Cheltenham Spa, via Gloucester, down via Lydney to Newport and then reverse to take the S. Wales main line through the Tunnel to BPW for yet another reverse into Temple Meads and beyond.

Oops my innate cynicism  showing through. Should have checked first.

Interesting point re XC do they have to go all the way to Newport to reverse to get to the tunnel. Is there no reversing facility at Severn Tunnel Junction?

Wtih flash flooding seemingly getting more prevelent and affecting more lines We ought to start thinking about and emergency diversions plan and at least look at "what happens" if the line between X and Y is blocked and maybe heaven forbid possibly put in some infrastructure to allow for easier diversions and reversals.

The North curve at Bradford junction, reversal at Severn Tunnel junction.

Even worse Networkrail could start identifying potential flood spots, with the help of the EA and Met office and look at the drainage, culverts flood defenses in the area etc. and ensure they are well maintained or even improved.  But like spoiling the ship for a "ha'peth of tar" we won't believe a "stitch in time saves nine".

Trains can indeed reverse at STJ.

Better connections at Newport for passengers who would normally change at Bristol Parkway for South Wales. Going back to days of loco hauled services on Cross Country, Newport was a more suitable location to turn the loco around.