Preston trains cancelled as 'major disruption' expected all day on Lancashire to Manchester line
Train services between Preston and Manchester are cancelled or delayed this morning, with disruption expected until the end of the day.
National Rail said the disruption has been caused by damage to the overhead lines between Bolton and Lostock, with trains unable to run between Preston and Bolton until the damage has been repaired.
The issue is affecting Northern and TransPennine Express routes between Preston and Manchester, including the Manchester Airport service.
Rail replacement buses have been running from Preston to Manchester Piccadilly this morning, calling at all stations.
Some services have been cancelled and others are being diverted via alternative routes, resulting in delays of up to 30 minutes this morning.
Network Rail added some services might also be cancelled or revised to reduce congestion whilst trains are diverting.
‘Major disruption’
A spokesperson for National Rail said: "Damage to the overhead wires between Bolton and Lostock means that all lines are blocked between these stations. Trains are unable to run between Bolton and Preston until the damage has been repaired.
"Trains scheduled to run between these stations will divert via an alternative route, resulting in delays of up to 30 minutes. Some services may also be cancelled or revised to reduce congestion whilst trains are diverting. Major disruption is expected until the end of the day."
Other affected stations and services
The issue is affecting Northern services between Manchester Airport and Blackpool North, Manchester Victoria and Clitheroe, Manchester Airport and Barrow-in-Furness, Manchester Victoria and Southport, and Wigan Wallgate and Stalybridge. Diversions will be in place on these routes, meaning passengers will be delayed throughout the day.
TransPennine Express services from Scotland to Manchester will also be unable to call at Bolton.
Network Rail staff are on site investigating the issue. A spokesperson for Network Rail in Manchester posted on X: "Due to a track fault in the Bolton area lines are currently blocked.
"Our engineers are working on a fix and will get you on the move asap. This affects services between Preston and Wigan and Preston to Manchester. Check your journey."