Rail services cancelled on West Coast Main Line between Wigan and Preston due to overhead wire damage

Passengers are warned to check before travelling today after overhead wire damage forced the closure of the West Coast Main Line between Wigan and Preston.

Network Rail staff working on the railway line near Euxton Balshaw Lane noticed the damage at 3am this morning (Tuesday, March 17).

Work is now under way to repair the damaged, high voltage wires, but disruption is expected until around 1pm.

Because of the damage, the line is currently blocked and train services are not able to run between Preston and Wigan North Western this morning.

This affects services also travelling to Liverpool and Glasgow.

Phil James, Network Rail’s route managing director for the North West, said: "I am really sorry to passengers who have been disrupted by the damage to the overhead wires in Euxton.

"A Network Rail team is working really hard to fix the damage and reopen the railway as soon as possible.

"In the meantime, please visit National Rail Enquiries or with your train operator for the latest travel advice."

How does it affect your journey?

Train services running through Wigan and Preston stations will be cancelled or delayed, with disruption expected until 1pm.

Road transport is confirmed as running between Leyland and Wigan North Western, calling at Euston Balshaw Lane.

The rail replacement service will be provided by Hodder Coaches, Harris Travel, Matadars, Vantage and Ocean Travel.

Journey times will be extended by around 20 minutes.

The next coach to depart from Wigan North Western will be at 8.40am and will call at Euxton Balshaw Lane and Leyland.

Passengers can then board a train at Leyland to continue their journey to Preston.

Trains are able to run from Leyland to Preston but may be subject to short notice delays and cancellations.

Services running from Wigan North Western to Liverpool and Manchester are also able to run but maybe subject to short notice delays and cancellations.