Blackpool to Manchester Airport trains cancelled after overhead wire damage near Bolton
Train services between Blackpool North and Manchester Airport have been cancelled this morning after damage to overhead electric wires at Bolton caused widespread disruption across the North West.
Northern said the incident has blocked some lines through Bolton, meaning trains are unable to run between Preston and Bolton.
Services that are still operating are subject to delays of up to an hour.
Routes affected include Blackpool North to Manchester Airport, as well as services linking Manchester Victoria with Blackburn and Clitheroe, and Barrow-in-Furness and Windermere with Manchester Airport.
Disruption is expected “until the end of the day”.
Network Rail engineers are currently on site working to repair the damage.
Northern said fewer trains are able to run between Bolton and Salford Crescent in both directions, adding to the disruption across the network.
Ticket restrictions have been temporarily lifted, allowing customers to use alternative routes.
Travellers can also use TransPennine Express services between Lancaster and Manchester Airport, and Avanti West Coast services between Wigan North Western and Preston, at no extra cost.
Replacement bus services are also in operation, including services from Preston and Bolton to Manchester Piccadilly, although journey times are expected to be longer.
The disruption follows a spell of strong winds overnight into Wednesday, after the Met Office warned earlier this week of more unsettled weather across the region.
Passengers are being urged to check before they travel and allow extra time for their journeys.