Rail chaos for Blackpool to Manchester Piccadilly journeys expected until end of the day

‘Major disruption’ is expected until the end of the day, say rail bosses.

Blackpool train services to and from Manchester are delayed or cancelled due to damaged overhead lines this morning.

Network Rail says there has been damage to overhead electric wires at the Manchester Piccadilly station, which is affecting services to Blackpool and Preston.

Trains to and from Manchester Piccadilly are either cancelled, revised or severely delayed by up to 60 minutes todayplaceholder image
Trains to and from Manchester Piccadilly are either cancelled, revised or severely delayed by up to 60 minutes today | Iconic Media Group

Manchester Piccadilly says its engineers are on site working to resolve the overhead wire damage.

“We are sorry to passengers for the disruption this has caused and we are working to get people moving as soon as possible,” the station said on X.

As a result, trains running to or from Preston and Blackpool stations may be cancelled or severely delayed by up to 60 minutes, with major disruption expected until the end of the day.

Manchester Piccadilly says its engineers are on site working to resolve the overhead wire damage.placeholder image
Manchester Piccadilly says its engineers are on site working to resolve the overhead wire damage. | Iconic Media Group

Most operators are allowing affected customers to use their tickets at no extra cost on reasonable routes with other companies to help them get where they need to be.

Avanti West Coast said it is currently not calling at Piccadilly, but tickets for travel today will be valid for travel tomorrow at no extra cost.

Some replacement bus services are being provided and tickets may be valid on alternative routes if trains are cancelled.

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