Railway landslip near Scunthorpe prompts emergency repairs and changes to train services

Network Rail discovered the landslip during routine maintenance inspections Credit: Network Rail

Rail passengers travelling between Scunthorpe and Doncaster are being urged to check before they travel due to emergency changes to the timetable following a landslip.

The landslip was discovered while routine maintenance inspections were being carried out between Scunthorpe and Althorpe on Friday 12 June.

Network Rail has opened another line via Brigg to enable freight services carrying food, medial and fuel supplies to divert around the area.

Diagram shows the impact of the landslip on the embankment Credit: Network Rail

Repair work will be carried out over seven days, beginning on Thursday 18 June, with steel piles being installed to stabilise the embankment.

During this time no trains services will be able to run on that portion of the line, meaning a number of changes to the timetable, including bus replacement services.

  • Northern services will not run between Scunthorpe and Doncaster. Bus replacement services will be in place, calling at all stations on the line.

  • TransPennine Express services will continue between Cleethorpes and Scunthorpe and between Doncaster and Manchester Piccadilly. There will be rail replacement services in place between Scunthorpe and Doncaster.

Matt Rice, Route Director the North and East Route, said:

Emergency repair works begin on Thursday 18 June Credit: Network Rail

Passengers are being reminded that they should avoid public transport where possible and to wear face coverings when using public transport.

Network Rail says it is continuing to investigate the cause of the landslip, but explained they often occur when the ground becomes saturated with water after heavy rain, causing it to become unstable.