RAIL passengers are facing severe delays due to overhead electric wire damage on the west coast main line.

The line is currently blocked between Preston and Lancaster in Lancashire, with some services cancelled.

Services by Virgin Trains, TransPennine Express and Northern are affected.

Northern Customer Advice:

  • Tickets can be used on Transpennine Express services between Manchester Piccadilly and Preston in both directions.
  • Road transport has been requested and will arrive at Preston at 12.45pm for stations to Lancaster.

TransPennine Express Customer Advice:

  • Tickets may be used on the East Coast Main Line by taking a TransPennine Express service between Manchester and Leeds / York, a CrossCountry service between Leeds and Edinburgh or a LNER service between York and Edinburgh. They can also be used on Virgin Trains services between Manchester Piccadilly / Preston and Glasgow Central, plus Northern between Carlisle and Newcastle.
  • Rail replacement bus services have been requested to run between Preston and Lancaster in both directions. Six buses will be in place from Preston, the first bus will be available from 12.15pm. Six buses will be in place from Lancaster, the first bus will be available from 12.30pm. Rail replacement bus services will run from Glasgow to Lockerbie in both directions. Rail replacement bus services will also run from Edinburgh to Lockerbie in both directions.

Virgin Trains Customer Advice:

  • Tickets can be used on the TransPennine Express services between Manchester Piccadilly / Preston and Glasgow Central, on London North Eastern Railway (LNER) between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh, plus ScotRail between Edinburgh and Glasgow Central.
  • Replacement coaches are running between Preston and Lancaster.

Disruption on the west coast main line is expected to last until 4pm. Passengers are being urged to check before they travel.