Heavy rain and flooding are continuing to cause major disruptions for rail passengers today.

Following an announcement yesterday asking people to travel only where necessary, or not to attempt to travel at all in affected areas, the disruption is set to continue into tomorrow.

Heavy rainfall is affecting journeys across North West England and Scotland with the Met Office issuing yellow and amber weather warnings.

As a result, a series of speed restrictions have been imposed for safety at several locations causing delays of up to 90 minutes on services to and from Scotland on the West Coast Main Line.

Where are Network Rail emergency speed restrictions in force?

The Network Rail emergency speed restrictions will be in force until 8am tomorrow on the following routes:

  • West Coast main line between Carnforth and Shap
  • Cumbrian Coast line between Carnforth and Whitehaven
  • Lakes line between Oxenholme and Windermere
  • Settle to Carlisle line between Settle and Carnforth

Specialist Network Rail weather forecasters are monitoring the railway network closely so frontline response teams can be sent to deal with any incidents as soon as they happen.

Phil James, managing director for Network Rail’s North West route, said: “Safety is our priority and we constantly monitor the weather to react to what mother nature throws at the railway.

“I understand that speed limits can be frustrating and will mean longer journey times for people, but we have to put them in place to keep passengers and freight moving safely.

“I’d urge everyone planning to travel on the West Coast main line or on the Cumbrian branch lines over the coming days to please check National Rail Enquiries for the latest travel information.”

Avanti West Coast passengers advised not to travel

For customers travelling North of Preston, Avanti West Coast advise not to travel due to the disruption expected.

This applies to all Avanti West Coast journeys to or from Glasgow Central, Motherwell, Edinburgh, Lockerbie, Carlisle, Penrith, Oxenholme Lake District and Lancaster today.

Customers can amend their journey in advance or claim a refund from their point of purchase.

Gus Dunster, executive director of operations and safety at Avanti West Coast, said: “Due to the heavy rain forecast, we’ll be operating an amended timetable.

“As we’re expecting disruption to our services customers travelling north of Preston on these dates are advised not to travel and instead amend their journey or claim a fee-free refund from their point of purchase.

“We are working closely with Network Rail and TransPennine Express to monitor the weather and recommend customers check the National Rail Enquiries website for the latest updates.”

Limited train services in operation North of Preston

For customers travelling North of Preston (subject to further revisions)

The 18:30 London Euston to Preston is the last northbound service that will connect into a Preston - Glasgow Central shuttle service

The 16:40 Glasgow Central to Preston is the last southbound service that will connect into a Preston - London Euston service

Mutual ticket acceptance with TransPennine Express is in place for journeys North of Preston.

For customers travelling South of Preston:

A full timetable is planned to operate. Customers should continue to travel as planned and normal ticket restrictions remain in place.

Passengers are advised to regularly check www.nationalrail.co.uk for the latest on the worsening weather and how it could impact their journeys.