The Penmanshiel tragedy
The year 1979 was ayear of major changes on the East Coast Main Line. The introduction of HSTs, which had begun the previous year, was due to be completed in May when the full 125mph timetable, using 32 new Class 254 sets, was planned to be effected from the timetable change.
On the freight side, the introduction of new 8ft 6in high containers on Freightliner workings meant that three tunnels on the route required upgrading to provide the necessary clearances. Effectively, this meant carrying out excavation work to lower the tracks by a few inches.
To prevent major disruption and full closure of the line, work on each track was carried out separately, enabling trains to continue to operate through the tunnels under a single line working arrangement.
The first to receive the necessary works was Stoke Tunnel, south of Grantham, the work being carried out between September 10 and October 22, 1978. The first stage to September 30 saw work take place on the down (northbound) line before switching to the up direction. Work then switched to Peascliffe, north of Grantham, from October 22 to December 2 and then it was
