Blackpool train chaos continues as 'severe' rail disruption halts Lancashire to Manchester services - latest
‘Severe’ rail disruption continues to affect Lancashire train users this afternoon, with passengers travelling between Blackpool and Manchester urged to check their journeys before travelling.
Disruption has been ongoing since the early hours of this morning, with Network Rail stating that strong winds brought ‘several trees down’ overnight causing damage to the overhead lines in the Lostock area.
As a result, services between Blackpool, Preston and Bolton have been unable to run, impacting Northern and TransPennine Express routes between Preston and Manchester, including the Blackpool North to Manchester Airport service.
The disruption will continue to impact commuters this evening, with major services cancelled in advance and others facing delays of over an hour.
In its latest update shortly after 4.00pm, Northern said: “You cannot travel between Preston/Wigan and Bolton in both directions.
“There are no trains running and no replacement buses.
“We strongly advise you to avoid travelling between Preston and Manchester Piccadilly if you can. Some trains are running, but there is major disruption, and you may be heavily delayed and/or experience severe overcrowding. Please check before you travel.”
Train services running throughout Bolton station will be cancelled or delayed by up to 90 minutes. Disruption is expected until the end of the day, with all remaining trains between Blackpool North and Manchester Airport cancelled.
Other affected routes
Northern services between Manchester Airport and Blackpool North / Winderere / Barrow-in-Furness / Millom, between Stalybridge / Manchester Victoria and Wigan Wallgate, and also between Stalybridge / Manchester Oxford Road and Southport.
TransPennine Express services between Manchester Airport and Oxenholme Lake District / Glasgow Central / Edinburgh.