Network Rail adopts ‘more cautious approach’ to bad weather after crash
● Extra checks on at-risk stretches of line when adverse conditions forecast
Net work R ail has adopted a “more cautious approach” in extreme weather following the Stonehaven train crash, transport secretar y Michael Matheson has told MSPS.
The revelation came as the minister said the line would remain closed “into October”, confirming a Scotsman story last week it would stay shut for at least another month following the 12 August derailment.
Mr Matheson told the Scottish Parliament’s rural economy and connectivit y committee the change in Network R ail procedures was included in the track body’s interim report on landslip risks.
It was submitted on Tuesday to the UK government, which is responsible for rail safety. Mr Ma the son said :“They [Net work R ail] have already changed some of their pro - to co ls for decision-making during periods of adverse weather. I would probably categorise that as they have implemented changes which would take a more cautious approach when periods of adverse weather take place.“It is understood these involve extra checks and monitorin gina t-risk areas before and during bad weather, such as of tracks, drainage culverts and bridges over rivers when heavy rain is forecast.
A Network Rail spokesperson said :“We have introduced additional processes ahead of forecast periods of extreme rainfall to further enhance how we prepare for, and respond to, these weather events.”
Driver Brett McCullough, 45, conductor Donald Dinnie ,58, and passenger Christopher Stuchbury,62,di ed when the 6:38am Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street train crashed into a landslide at Carmont, south of Stone - haven, following heavy rain.
Mr Ma the son said anew access road to the crash site was being built so the wrecked carriages could be removed.
He said it had involved “significant” work, which was now at a “very advanced stage”.
The minister said: “Once that is complete and once the investigations are complete, Network Rail will be in a position to start the recovery phase.
“My expectation is the line will remain closed for passenger use into October given the scale of the challenge.”
Scotrail started a train shuttle service between Aberdeen and Stonehaven on Monday, but buses run instead between Stonehaven and Dundee.