UK: Network Rail’s decision to mount signalling equipment on 3 m high stilts following previous flood damage meant the West Coast Main Line at Caldew Junction just north of Carlisle was able to reopen within 24 h of flooding during Storm Ciara on February 9, compared to the 14 days required for repairs in 2015.
The point machines at ground level were damaged and needed replacing.
‘While not perfect, one day of disruption is far better than 14’, said Weather Resilience Programme Manager Adam Checkley. ‘Small improvements like this are helping us cope better with the increasingly extreme British weather.’
