Travel warning as overhead line damage closes West Coast main line between Wigan and Preston

Passengers are warned to check before travelling today after overhead wire damage forced closure of the West Coast main line between Wigan and Preston.

The closure affects travel to Liverpool and Glasgow

Network Rail staff working on the railway line noticed the damage at 3am this morning (Tuesday).

Work is under way to fix the problem.

Because of this damage, the line is blocked between Wigan and Preston. This affects services also travelling to Liverpool and Glasgow.

Phil James, Network Rail’s route managing director for the North West, said: “I am really sorry to passengers who have been disrupted by the damage to the overhead wires in Euxton.

“A Network Rail team is working really hard to fix the damage and re-open the railway as soon as possible.

“In the meantime, please visit National Rail Enquiries or with your train operator for the latest travel advice.”

The track reopened shortly after 11am today after the overnight work to repair the cables on Europe’s busiest mixed-use passenger and freight railway line.

Phil James, Network Rail’s route managing director for the North West, said: “I am really sorry to passengers who were disrupted by the damage to the overhead wires in Euxton. The line has reopened now the issue has been fixed.

“Please continue to visit National Rail Enquiries or speak to your train operator whilst services get back to normal. Thank you for your patience.”