Phased return of rail services from today as safety checks are completed

Translink specialist teams have continued to work through the night to make the railway safe for the phased return of passenger services from today.

The first passenger trains will run on the Lisburn, cross border and Bangor lines phasing in during the course of the afternoon.  Clearance work is continuing on the Larne Line and
Derry~Londonderry Line and these will reopen as soon as safe to do so.

Updates will be available on the Translink Journey Planner, website and social media channels as services resume and we would ask everyone to please check these before you travel.

John Glass, Director of Infrastructure and Projects explained: “The severity of this storm is unprecedented with a litany of infrastructural damage across the network. We have mobilised our largest ever response to get services up and running again safely for customers.

“More than 100 instances of debris and blockages obscuring the line right across the network – which far exceeds that of previous storms – have had to be managed.  This has included around 60 trees uprooted, numerous level crossing barriers damaged and multiple issues with structures and infrastructure along the line needing repair to date.

“Since the red warning ceased yesterday our staff together with contractors have been working tirelessly to assess and complete the vital repairs to enable the gradual safe return of services.

“We would like to thank all our passengers and staff and contractors for their support and patience as we work to resume services through these exceptional circumstances”, John concluded.

Translink Metro, Glider and Ulsterbus services have been restored and currently operating subject to some diversions in place due to ongoing road closures and clearance work.