Northampton train station is to remain closed while damaged caused by flooding from Storm Bert is assessed.

Heavy rain in the early hours of this morning (25/11) lead to the River Nene bursting its banks, with the consequent flood water flooding the tracks through Northampton station, leaving the tracks, signalling and telecoms equipment and hundreds of metres of cables submerged for hours.

Work has been started by Network Rail to fix the situation but the company that looks after Britain’s tracks have said that before the railway can be safely reopened for trains to run, affected equipment needs to be assessed, repaired and thoroughly tested.

Clean-up work is expected to continue until the morning of Wednesday 27 November at the earliest, with passengers advised to expect major disruption to rail journeys until this is resolved.

Road replacement transport running Rugby-Northampton and Northampton-Milton Keynes services will be in operation in the interim.

All trains via Northampton were cancelled today, with operator London North Western Railway having also been compromised by rolling stock being stuck at a depot near to Northampton station.

Gary Walsh, director for Network Rail’s West Coast South route, said, “We’re working as quickly as we can to clean up and repair damaged rail equipment after major flooding through Northampton station following Storm Bert.

“Due to the scale of damage caused to our signalling system by the flooding, we expect the railway to remain shut throughout Tuesday 26 November and urge passengers to check with National Rail Enquiries for alternative journey options. We’re really sorry to everyone affected.”

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for London Northwestern Railway, added, “I am sorry for the continued disruption to journeys following the severe flooding of the railway in the Northampton area.

“I would urge all customers travelling with us on Tuesday to check their journeys before setting out as a revised timetable will be in operation, with rail replacement transport in operation on some parts of the network.”

Passengers are urged to check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operator for the latest journey information.