Flooding closes Glasgow - Edinburgh line
Last updated 8th Aug 2019
After extreme flooding last night, the main rail line between Glasgow and Edinburgh is still closed near Linlithgow.
60 percent of Edinburgh's usual August rainfall happened within three hours.
The problems in the Winchburgh tunnel are also affecting services on the line to Stirling and Dunblane.
As soon as the railway started to flood Scotrail were forced to suspend the line.
Unfortunately, trains that had already set off on their journey were left stranded for around two hours and passengers frustrated.
By 5.30am water levels had risen to 2ft above the rails.
Scotrail says teams of engineers are using pumps to try and lower the water to a manageable level.
Liam Sumpter, Chief Operating Officer for Network Rail explains 'safety has to come first'.
"It was an evolving situation and it's quite challenging to keep everyone informed."
Engineers will need to inspect the tracks before trains can start running again.
More rain is expected tonight, tomorrow and Saturday.
Mr Sumpter says "very heavy rainfall in a short period of time presents some risk.
"Our role is to try and make sure that we are keeping an eye on all of the infrastructure so that we don't see any more flooding sites.
"If we get heavy rain in exactly the same location again, then there will be some risks around Winchburgh tunnel.
"If you are on the main Edinburgh to Glasgow route, then my advice would be to check with Scotrail either on their social media accounts, twitter, or on their website and they'll give the latest info about how you can complete your journey.
"We'll keep you safe, that's our priority."
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