Sinkhole under train track

Translink has confirmed its officials had to close off a platform as an emergency measure after a '˜sink hole' appeared under disused tracks close to the Waterside rail line.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Feb 2016, 06:00 BST
Updated 17th Feb 2016, 08:06 BST
The sinkhole which appeared last week under the disused tracks.The sinkhole which appeared last week under the disused tracks.
The sinkhole which appeared last week under the disused tracks.

The hole, which one eye-witness said was between eight and ten feet in diameter, appeared suddenly last week.

A Translink spokesperson confirmed “On February 8 following a period of poor weather erosion was reported to an area of ground beneath an unused railway siding at Waterside. Engineers mobilised quickly and repaired the area. We are currently investigating the cause of this damage.

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“Although this piece of track is not used for passenger services the platform closest to the damaged area was taken out of use as a precaution in order to secure the safety of our passengers and employees.”

Translink also confirmed that Phase 2 of the Derry line upgrade is progressing well.

“The platform extension at Castlerock is complete and we are currently working on the construction of two new platforms for six car trains sets at Bellarena. It is expected that these works will be completed in April 2016,” the spokeswoman said, adding:

“We will also upgrade the signalling and telecomms systems along the railway line ensuring it operates as effectively and efficiently as possible in the future.”

The works represent a £46.4m investment by both the Department for Regional Development and the European Union ‘Connecting Europe Facility’.

Related topics:TranslinkSinkholeEngineersDerryEuropean Union