Rail disruption after section of West Coast main line is forced to close due to landslip

Network Rail said the scale of yesterday's landslip means the railway is expected to be shut for several days, causing disruption along the West Coast main line.

The slip happened at Weaver Junction, near Acton Bridge in Cheshire, resulting in major disruption to trains between Liverpool, Wigan and Crewe yesterday afternoon (Sunday, March 1).

Network Rail shut the southbound line at Dutton Viaduct, near Warrington, whilst engineers carried out emergency repairs.

Today, passengers are being advised to check National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator to see how their journey through Lancashire will be impacted.

Tim Shoveller, managing director for Network Rail’s North West and Central region, said: "Sorry to all passengers affected by this emergency line closure.

"Safety is our priority and the seriousness of this landslip means we’ve had no choice but to close one line at Dutton Viaduct.

"Our engineers will be working round the clock to make railway safe again for passengers.

"I’d urge anyone travelling on the West Coast main line or in the Merseyside area to check before they travel over the next few days as major disruption is expected.

"I thank people for their patience while we work as hard as we can to get the railway open again."

Network Rail said the majority of Avanti West Coast services will be revised to not run between Liverpool Lime Street and Crewe.

Where possible, some trains to and from Liverpool Lime Street will divert via Chester, and this may extend journey times by up to 60 minutes.

Trains between Wigan North Western and Crewe may also be cancelled, delayed by up to 50 minutes or revised.

Network Rail said its engineers have been battling against the elements in recent weeks, with three major storms bringing disruption over consecutive weekends.

The storms have left ground saturated and, in some cases, prone to land slips like the one at Weaver Junction yesterday (Sunday, March 1).

The Met Office has now confirmed last month was the wettest February on record.

Passengers are advised to check www.nationalrail.co.uk for the latest travel information.