Trains back running on Andover to Salisbury line after crash last month
After more than two weeks the railway line has reopened
Trains are back running on the line between Andover and Salisbury after last month's crash.
The crash between a South Western Railway train and Great Western Railway train on October 31st left 13 people injured along with the driver of the SWR service.
The incident at Fisherton tunnel blocked the line and damaged the track.
A huge recovery operation took place with five damaged carriages removed by crane from the scene.
Over the last week repairs have taken place to the track with much of the work carried out overnight.
Almost 1,500 sleepers, the cross-ties that support the track, were replaced along with three sets of points that allow trains to move from one track to another.
In addition, more than 900 metres of new track were laid in the tunnel to provide a smoother ride for passengers.
Signalling equipment including track circuits have also being repaired, replaced and thoroughly-tested.
Network Rail also spent a full day using its leaf-busting Rail Head Treatment Trains to jet wash the tracks free of any debris or leaf mulch.
A series of test trains ran on the new infrastructure to check it was operating correctly before passenger services began just after 5am.
Network Rail’s route director for Wessex, Mark Killick, said:
“I really appreciate how patient everyone has been with us from customers who have had their journeys disrupted, to our neighbours who have had cranes outside their houses, London Road closed for a period, and people working 24 hours a day to repair the railway right in the middle of their neighbourhood."
South Western Railway and Great Western Railway have also thanked customers for their patience and support over the last fortnight.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch says "low adhesion" between the track and train wheels was the most likely cause of the crash.
Wheel slippage meant the SWR train was unable to stop and went through a red light before colliding with the GWR service.