Train passengers are still facing major disruptions this morning following a gas leak that has lead to evacuations and road and rail closures. Police shut down Links Parade in Carnoustie, Angus, last night after Scottish Gas Networks (SGN) reported damages to the network when an excavator struck a mains gas pipe.
The road was closed between Station Road and Ferrier Street just before 6.30pm, with two residential properties and Carnoustie Sports Centre evacuated as the public were urged to avoid the area. SGN engineers remain on site more than 12 hours later.
The ruptured gas main was discovered near the East Coast rail line. Network Rail said the line via Carnoustie will remain closed until it is safe to reopen, and a 50-metre exclusion zone is in place around the site.
ScotRail said it is unable to run trains between Dundee and Montrose. Glasgow/Edinburgh to Aberdeen trains will only run between Glasgow/Edinburgh and Dundee. Local trains between Montrose, Aberdeen and Inverurie are running as normal.
LNER are terminating trains from Kings Cross to Scotland at Edinburgh and Newcastle. Rail replacement buses have been put in place. ScotRail said it also has ticket acceptance in place with Stagecoach between Dundee and Arbroath.
Network Rail tweeted: "At 14:15 on Tuesday, an excavator struck a mains gas pipe at Carnoustie, while carrying out ground investigation work on the railway between Aberdeen and Dundee. For safety reasons, a 50m exclusion zone was put in place, with 2 homes and Carnoustie Leisure Centre evacuated.
"he railway remains closed between Dundee and Montrose with rail replacement buses running. Passengers should check with train operators for more info. We’re working closely with @SGNgas to complete the repairs and reopen the railway. We’re sorry for the disruption caused."
A spokesperson for SGN said: "Our engineers are on site in Taymouth Street following third party damage to our gas main. To ensure everyone's safety, Taymouth Street is currently closed in both directions, and a diversion route for motorists is in place.
"The nearby railway line has also been closed, and travellers will be required to use a replacement bus service. We understand the inconvenience this is causing and our team is working as hard as possible to complete repairs to our gas network."
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