Fallen tree blocking Sleaford to Lincoln railway line as Storm Doris batters Lincolnshire

A fallen tree outside Ruskington is blocking the line from Lincoln to Sleaford.
Local news.Local news.
Local news.

It is understood it could take at least an hour to clear.

East Midlands Trains is advising its customers not to try and travel today (23 February) unless their journey is essential due to disruption caused by Storm Doris.

Services across the network are currently very significantly disrupted and this is expected to last for the reminder of the day. In addition, due to issues across the rest of the UK rail network, alternative journey options are extremely limited.

Customers holding tickets for travel today can get a full refund on their ticket or can use it to travel on Friday 24 February.

East Midlands Trains continues to work very closely with Network Rail, which manages the track and signalling, to ensure customers are given accurate and up-to-date information about their travel.

Jake Kelly, Managing Director for East Midlands Trains, said: “Along with many other transport operators, there is wide-spread disruption across our network as a result of Storm Doris.

“We are therefore advising people not to try and travel today.

“We apologise to customers affected by today’s disruption. We know this is a very challenging day for customers, however safety always comes first and we have to take account of the conditions in operating our trains and the advice we give to customers.

“We will continue to work with Network Rail to manage the situation and make sure we can provide our customers with the latest up to date information. We also have extra staff at our stations helping customers.”

Rob McIntosh, route managing director for Network Rail, said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by today’s disruption and assure those affected we are doing all we can to keep the network moving. Passenger safety remains our priority, and we have extra teams on the grounds at various locations across the network to deal with any disruptions caused by today’s storms, as well as imposing speed restrictions across large parts of the country.

“These speed restrictions keep passengers and staff safe during high winds, as trees and other objects can get blown onto the tracks and at reduced speeds drivers are better able to bring trains to a halt if anything is spotted ahead. We will continue to provide updates throughout the day.”

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