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South Western Railway to cut speeds as drought shrinks soil

Network Rail said late night speed restrictions and timetable changes would run from 3 August until ground conditions recover.

Reported · Written up by our desk · North America

Persistent drought in southern England is expected to force additional rail disruption, with operators planning reduced speeds and altered timetables after hot and dry weather left railway embankments with a soil moisture deficit, Guardian Business reports.

The outlet said Network Rail warned that late night speed restrictions and timetable changes would begin on 3 August until the ground conditions have recovered, citing late spring low rainfall followed by a hot, dry summer.

The problem stems from clay embankments that normally hold moisture, with extended drought causing soil to shrink and disturb track support so sleepers can drop or shift, making trains require slower speeds to run safely.

Guardian Business added that routes affected include services run by Great Northern, Greater Anglia, c2c, and the eastern end of the Elizabeth line, and said South Western Railway is expected to announce its own speed and timetable changes soon, with the West of England line described as particularly vulnerable.

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