Storm Doris damage forces closure of West Midlands train line

A train line across the West Midlands is closed this morning after damage from Storm Doris could not be repaired overnight.

The Cross City Line from Lichfield to Redditch via Birmingham is expected to remain closed today as a consequence of the strong winds that hit the region, and the UK, yesterday.

Bus replacement services will operate on parts of the route. There is also ticket acceptance on National Express West Midlands buses between Birmingham and Longbridge.

The remainder of the London Midland network will be open today but the train operatoris advising passengers to check before they travel. It said there will be “some cancellations and some services will have fewer carriages as many trains were trapped overnight as a result of lines being closed by storm damage”.

London Midland’s director of passenger services, Tom Joyner said: “I would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding as we have been dealing with the exceptional impact of Storm Doris.

“Network Rail colleagues have worked hard to clear and repair as many routes as possible to get Britain moving again this morning. However the damage to the Cross City Line will take longer to repair.”