The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Collapse shows state of railways is ‘terrifying’
T he discovery of a collapsed section of bridge less than a mile from the site of the Stonehaven train derailment is evidence the condition of Scottish railways is “becoming terrifying”, a trade union leader said last night.
Train services out of Aberdeen were disrupted yesterday after the side wall of a bridge near Stonehaven gave way – close to the scene of the crash at Carmont last August, which left three people dead.
Unlike August’s tragedy, the most recent incident was not caused by a landslip.
Network Rail said the bridge was damaged “due to weather conditions”.
However, union leaders have called for action from rail bosses and government ministers and warned of a growing number of instances of infrastructure failure.
Gordon Martin, regional organiser of the RMT union, called for urgent talks with railway chiefs.
He added: “I have raised concerns with Network Rail about the number of incidents on the railway and infrastructure.
“I am absolutely not surprised this has happened and we will be seeking a meeting with Network Rail once the facts have been established.
“This latest incident is little more than a stone’s throw from where three people lost their lives and the amount of issues there have been with infrastructure is becoming terrifying.
“The rail network needs a bit of investment because it is a real worry just now,” he said.
The train drivers’ union ASLEF last night called on government ministers to hand Network Rail more funding to ensure the safety of staff and passengers.
A spokesman said: “ASLEF believes it is vital the government at Westminster properly funds Network Rail so it can look after and maintain all the railway lines and infrastructure.
“There are particular concerns over the impact of climate change on the rail network.
“The landslips near Stonehaven last year and this one are by no means the only ones which are happening on the railway.
“Although it is incumbent on Network Rail to maintain bridges and track, it is vital they are given the money to properly maintain the infrastructure
– not just for the safety of passengers, but for the safety of train staff.”
It is understood the line is likely to be closed for several days while repair work is carried out.
A Network Rail spokesman said: “The line is closed while our engineers repair a damaged side wall on a bridge
between Carmont and Stonehaven.
“Specialist structural engineers are assessing the fault and putting plans in place for its repair.
A full report by Network Rail into the Stonehaven derailment is understood to be under way and will be presented to the transport secretary this year.