Investigation Raises Concerns Over Rail Landslide Monitoring After Shap Derailment

A recent investigation has raised concerns over the effectiveness of Network Rail’s equipment designed to detect landslides, following a train derailment in Cumbria.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) looked into the November 3 derailment of an Avanti West Coast service at Shap. Early findings suggest that lineside monitoring systems may not reliably detect slope failures in all circumstances, potentially limiting their ability to provide timely safety data, particularly during extreme weather.

Cumbria has experienced several landslides near the rail network, including one on Thursday that caused further disruption. RAIB has advised Network Rail, along with equipment suppliers and infrastructure managers, to take urgent action to review and mitigate these risks.

Network Rail said it is fully cooperating with the investigation and is using new technology to monitor embankments and cuttings. A spokesperson said:

"We have one of the safest railways in the world and the safety of passengers and our colleagues remains our first priority. With extreme weather conditions becoming more frequent for all infrastructure managers, Network Rail is increasingly using new technology to monitor and report on the conditions of our embankments and cuttings, assessing areas for further development."

The RAIB report noted:

"Lineside monitoring equipment used on Network Rail-managed infrastructure may not be able to detect the failure of slopes in some circumstances. As a result, this equipment may not provide data as expected to support safety decision-making, particularly during extreme weather conditions."

Network Rail confirmed it will implement RAIB’s safety recommendations and work with its supply chain to improve the performance of sensor equipment where necessary. Over the next four years, the company has committed £30 million for earthworks and £68 million on drainage improvements across the North West to strengthen the railway against adverse weather.

The November derailment left four of the 87 passengers with minor injuries, according to North West Ambulance Service. The 11-carriage train reportedly struck a landslip, though the precise cause is still under investigation. Following the incident, passengers were taken to the nearby Shap Wells Hotel before being transported by coach to London and Scotland.

Image: RAIB