Major Damage to the Viaduct at Malahide

Eoineo

I just heard from a fellow NCD resident. All rail commuter services beyond Malahide have been suspended until further notice.

Does anybody have any idea what happened?

Eoineo

Apologies I've managed to answer my question:

http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0821/rail.html From the RTE website.

It seems like rail commuters may have to make alternative arrangements for the next while. It must be a major job to repair.

SMK

From Aertel


"A section of the main Dublin to Belfast railway line has collapsed in Malahide in north Dublin.

It happened this evening north of Malahide station on the viaduct across the estuary.

Iarnród Éireann says initial indications are that subsidence caused an embankment to collapse and that the damage appears to be quite bad."


I was on the 18.18 train from Tara Street and it terminated at Howth Junction. I suppose we'll have to wait at least until tomorrow before we know the full extent of how long the line will be closed for. Hopefully not long!!

Eoineo

Hard luck SMK. Have you arrived home yet?
My other half went on a mercy mission into Connolly to collect some relatives who were stranded from the 18:40. I can't remember there being major damage to the viaduct at all in my lifetime.

SMK

Wasn't too bad, my parents live in Raheny so just got DART back to there and a lift to Balbriggan!

Moonbeam

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0821/breaking66.htm

Dr Galen

if this is anyway serious I can see the trains being out of action for a while as I can't imagine it'd be easy to fix

Eoineo

It is extremely serious. RTE have just posted the first pictures on their website. It is highly unlikely that this will take even a matter of weeks to fix. Any rail users who crossed the viaduct today should be thanking their lucky stars. It is incredibly lucky that no train was crossing the viaduct at the time.

MercMad

I've just been there. One section of the 12 arches is dipped into the sea.

Not a quick fix.I observed an extremely high tide here today, havent seen it that way in 15 years, though I reckon this damage has been caused by gradual erosion.

Not a quick fix, I reckon months !

Traffic on M1/N1 will be horrid !

tomcollins97

but what great news it would have been had a train go into the estury! No fatalities obviously, all saved by the might Gardai and coastguard

The Black Oil

Glad nobody was hurt. Looks like fairly bad damage indeed. Often wondered if there would be an incident at some point.

Corb

My God that could have been a lot worse!! Where exactly is it? Just a bit up after Malahide train station?

hoser expat

I was on the 6:15 out of Pearse that got stopped at Howth Junction. unfortunately the damage looks bad, and I have no confidence in Irish Rail to either fix it properly and quickly, nor do I have confidence in them providing alternate service. Time will tell. Check back Monday rush hour.

Eoineo

From the short video piece on the RTE news this evening it appears to be just North of the boatyard beyond the marina in Malahide. Irish Rail have confirmed it's a 20m section.

Viscosity

Eoineo wrote: »

It is extremely serious. RTE have just posted the first pictures on their website. It is highly unlikely that this will take even a matter of weeks to fix. Any rail users who crossed the viaduct today should be thanking their lucky stars. It is incredibly lucky that no train was crossing the viaduct at the time.

I travelled on the Enterpise today and arrived in Connolly at 18.15. Its quite possible that train could have been one of the last trains over that bridge.

I've never been on that line before and I thought the view of the estuary was lovely so I had a good look at the bridge while the train was passing over it. There was a really strong flow of water going through it at the time.

Very lucky.

stevenmartin99

Heres my short term solution ...

hoser expat

Viscosity wrote: »

I travelled on the Enterpise today and arrived in Connolly at 18.15. Its quite possible that train could have been one of the last trains over that bridge.

I've never been on that line before and I thought the view of the estuary was lovely so I had a good look at the bridge while the train was passing over it. There was a really strong flow of water going through it at the time.

Very lucky.

Yep, you likely were on one of the last trains to go over the causeway. Count your lucky stars.

This will be a collosal f*ck up for commuters north of Malahide.

Clare Bear

My apartment overlooks the estuary but I'm not in Malahide at the moment so I haven't seen the view yet. Will have to see when I get back on Monday. Very lucky escape, hope it doesn't take too long to fix, it's going to be a nightmare for a lot of people but have to be thankful it didn't turn out worse than it did.

dcr22B

tomcollins97 wrote: »

but what great news it would have been had a train go into the estury! No fatalities obviously, all saved by the might Gardai and coastguard

Yeah because that's really funny, NOT! :mad:

I'm counting my lucky stars tonight as myself and Mrs DCR were on the last northbound train (in separate carriages) to cross the Estuary at approximately 6pm. We've played a few scenarios over and over in our heads and to be honest, I'm actually a bit emotional about it. Could have been a nightmare!

I watched the Nine O'Clock News in my parents' house and my Mum nearly broke down crying she was so relieved.

Going to be an extremely sh1tty few weeks trying to get to work

On the upside, fair play to the driver of the Pearse bound train. That man can sleep soundly knowing he averted a near catastrophe this evening.

The Hill Billy

tomcollins97 wrote: »

but what great news it would have been had a train go into the estury! No fatalities obviously, all saved by the might Gardai and coastguard

Just because you put a smiley on it doesn't make it funny. Behave. HB

The Hill Billy

Breaking news from independent.ie says that the line could be closed for 3 months!

http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/national-news/rail-line-to-stay-closed-for-three-months-1867182.html

The Indo wrote:

Rail line to stay closed for three months

Saturday August 22 2009

Iarnrod Eireann has said rail passengers are facing three months of disruption to services on the main Dublin to Belfast line after part of it collapsed.

A 20-metre section of the viaduct over the Malahide estuary collapsed into the water at about 6.30pm yesterday evening.

The company has described the incident as being close to a "very serious tragedy" and a major investigation has been launched.

Bus transfers are being arranged for passengers on the northern commuter lines.

Iarnrod Eireann spokesperson Barry Kenny said the alternative arrangements will be finalised before people go back to work on Monday.

jimsugarman

10,000 commuters!!!! The revolution will not be televised.

The Hill Billy

Another discussion here in Commuting & Transport on this.

Bluetonic

Hopefully the bridge will be back up and running in time for operation free flow!

Eoineo

Seriously Bluetonic? I expect the works to be ongoing until the New Year to be honest.

They now say that they will put on an "enhanced" 33 service and encourage passengers to use DB & BE services. I doubt that they will be able to handle the extra capacity. I am aware of 2 private passenger operators in the area who are contracted to provide emergency services to CIE in the event of an emergency but I take it that they cannot justify using their services over a long period of time.

Gillo

I presume the arrangements with Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus will make provisions to accept tickets?

There's not a lot of information on the site at the moment- linky.

Bluetonic

Eoineo wrote: »

Seriously Bluetonic? I expect the works to be ongoing until the New Year to be honest.

Based on what? They've said three months, why would they under estimate it?

Eoineo

Based on a strong dose of pessimism to be honest. I'd be delighted if they were completed by November but personally I doubt it. I find it hard to believe that they have managed to conduct a full assessment and figure out how long it will take to repair the fault in less than 24 hours.

Yesterday they said it would be a good few weeks. Today it's 3 months. Tomorrow & Monday it will be?

Bluetonic

Eoineo wrote: »

Based on a strong dose of pessimism to be honest. I'd be delighted if they were completed by November but personally I doubt it. I find it hard to believe that they have managed to conduct a full assessment and figure out how long it will take to repair the fault in less than 24 hours.

None of us have any idea we can only go on what we are being told.

It's not difficult to contact a specialist company as ask for their advice on how long it takes to (a) repair, or (b) replace. There is no shortage of experts out there at the moment.

Gillo

And in fairness to IR, any time in the past when there have been know disruptions I.R. generally are pretty good at managing them, don't get me wrong I'd prefer if there weren't any but for the moment why not wait and see what they put in place, unfortunately I have to work tomorrow so thats when the fun starts for me:D:D:D

Auvers

update on Irish rail website and than fcuk it looks like they are going to use the port tunnel

quote from http://irishrail.ie/news_centre/trav...ew&news_id=500

"Iarnród Éireann are working with Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann to provide enhanced services on existing routes serving the communities affected. Dublin Bus will enhance the No 33 routes serving the Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush & Lusk and Donabate areas, including use of the Dublin Port Tunnel. Details of these services, and service arrangements for customers between Dundalk and Gormanstown, will be confirmed as soon as possible.

In addition, a rail service will operate between Dundalk/Drogheda and Skerries.

For the duration of the disruption, Belfast Enterprise services will operate with train services between Belfast and Drogheda, and with bus transfers between Drogheda and Connolly, with resulting delays.

DART services between Malahide and Howth Junction are operating normally.

Due to the severe damage to the viaduct, we regret to inform customers that the line across the estuary will not reopen for at least three months, with resulting disruption continuing.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for the inconvenience caused."

P_1

The next 3 months are going to be absolute hell.

I wonder of the Army (or indeed the Army of one of our EU colleagues) can fashion a bailey bridge over the estuary. I recall seeing a documentary on the Bundswher a few years ago in which they mentioned how such a structure could bear trains carrying tanks and other heavy equipment over them.

Rail services could resume after 2 to 3 weeks if they were to do that.

COMEDYCORPSE

pithater1 wrote: »

The next 3 months are going to be absolute hell.

I wonder of the Army (or indeed the Army of one of our EU colleagues) can fashion a bailey bridge over the estuary. I recall seeing a documentary on the Bundswher a few years ago in which they mentioned how such a structure could bear trains carrying tanks and other heavy equipment over them.

Rail services could resume after 2 to 3 weeks if they were to do that.

It certainly is...:mad:, I'm starting college in Dun Loaghaire IT on September 14th it's gonna be hell trying to get a Bus Eireann from Balbriggan into town then get a dart out to Dun Laoghaire.

****ing iarnrod eireann better provide a better alternative than oh well the trains are buggered your own your own their people.

For the amount of money they get from our fare's which is ridiculous this should never have happened, the tracks should be in pristine condition from the amount of money they make.:mad:

The Hill Billy

Key phrase from this afternoon's IR update is "at least three months".

Commuting from Switzerland to Skerries doesn't seem so bad now.

billyhead

I live in Rush and I foresee massive backlogs in the morning. Time for people to get back on the bike:p

Moonbeam

AGGHH AGGHHH AGHH

and that is all I have to say on the matter:(

Beasty

With something like this you have to question the stability of the whole viaduct. I don't know how long it is, but if one section has failed, the whole thing will need looking at. If they find more weak spots, who knows how long it will take them to sort it out.

JohnnieK

If my train had of been ten mins late I would be swimming with the fishy's now!! How old is that viaduct? The northern line is years old. was the route diverted years ago or has it always run over the viaduct? I'm looking into alternatives at the moment. Does anyone know how much the 101 is from Balbriggan to Dublin?

Morgans

Is it unreasonable for annual ticket holders to expect a refund for the amount of time that the track is unusuable?

Does an enhanced bus service equate as an alternative of the same value?

Larianne

Just saw the pictures now. Very scary indeed. But have I heard it right that it got inspected 4 days ago?? :eek: Well now, that is shocking.

Moonbeam

Morgans wrote: »

Is it unreasonable for annual ticket holders to expect a refund for the amount of time that the track is unusuable?

Does an enhanced bus service equate as an alternative of the same value?

No it is not unless you use your ticket on the bus.
If you have to drive I do think a refund should be given.

Victor

pithater1 wrote: »

I wonder of the Army (or indeed the Army of one of our EU colleagues) can fashion a bailey bridge over the estuary. I recall seeing a documentary on the Bundswher a few years ago in which they mentioned how such a structure could bear trains carrying tanks and other heavy equipment over them.

Rail services could resume after 2 to 3 weeks if they were to do that.

The problem there is that it would be difficult to repair the bridge with a temporary bridge in place. The strength of the other piers also has to be called into question.

JohnnieK wrote: »

How old is that viaduct? The northern line is years old.

The line is about 160 years old. The bridge section was re-built about 50 years ago.

Larianne wrote: »

Just saw the pictures now. Very scary indeed. But have I heard it right that it got inspected 4 days ago?? :eek: Well now, that is shocking.

That would have only been a track inspection, probably not a full bridge inspection.

LeoB

Some people were worried about the length of time the bridge would remain closed and bit by bit we are seeing daylight, At LEAST 3 MONTHS. Now that could be 6 or 12 months.

The only way the severe problems can be avoided is for Express bus services from Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush, Lusk and Donabate. Not much point sending a bus along the route The express service would run along side the normal 33 and go straight to Dublin, for example a bus leaving Rush would not go through Lusk but take the Rathmore Rd and go in the M1. The normal bus service would do the picking up and dropping off of passengers along the way.

Thank god no one hurt.
Time to give car pools a real try from this side of Dublin

Morgans

Moonbeam wrote: »

No it is not unless you use your ticket on the bus.
If you have to drive I do think a refund should be given.

Personally, I think some refund should be given.

If I sign up for broadband contract for 12 months and the broadband provider suffers some infrastructural disaster, I dont think I should pay broadband rates for dial-up service while it is fixed.

Will there be a drop off in commuters buying monthly train tickets for September?

Why should the commuter get penalised because they have bought the monthly ticket in advance, on the assumption of the level of service.

If the buses-based contingency plans are as effective as the trains at transferring the thousands of commuters then no refund is needed. I just have my doubts and Im guessing that there will be plenty of annual ticket holders in cars from monday on.

musicfan

If people get a refund, they will need to pay full price on the alternative bus eireann dublin bus etc. I know I've been saving a fortune with my annual ticket. If I end up paying full price on buses etc for the next 3 months at least, I'm losing money on top of the major disruption each morning / evening.

Any alternative method of transport needs to accept monthly/annual tickets as payment and its up to IR to make sure this happens.

Presumably refunds for annual tickets would be made back to the employer and no more deductions would be made from your salary, therefore another loss there as you wont be saving on tax

Victor

Eh, think big picture here. You talk to your neighbours that you know drive to Dublin and instead of you all driving alone, 4-5 of you get together and each one drives one day per week.

The Hill Billy

I wonder what's going to happen to the staff in Rusk & Lusk and Donabate stations? Hopefully they'll be redeployed by IR to other stations/sites while their own are closed.

bcmf

I posted this on another forum.

Listening to the radio last night (the repeats) and Barry Kenny was on.He said that the Southbound train ,ie from Drogheda to Pearse,
was on the bridge.The driver saw what was happening to the North Bound track, ie it was falling into the sea, infromed central control and managed to get to Malahide station where he then on foot made his way back to the bridge to see what was happening and by fone relayed it back to central command.By this point electronic alarms had been switched on in central control and all trains had been stopped.HOWEVER If that southbound train had been delayed by 60 secs it would have been on the bridge when it collapsed.

Apparently the point alarm on the bridge went red indicating a serious problem before the southbound train had reached Malahide station.
Seriously scary stuff.