Passengers warned of delays after West Coast main line overhead lines damaged

Passengers travelling between Macclesfield and Stockport stations on the West Coast main line are being advised to check before they travel because of damaged overhead power lines today (August 1).

Network Rail engineers are currently working as fast as they can to fix the 25,000-volt overhead cables near Bramhall, Stockport, after they came down last night (Wednesday July 31).

No trains can run in either direction on the West Coast main line between Stoke on Trent and Cheadle Hulme.

Trains are being diverted where possible, and there is a rail replacement shuttle service in place between Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent.

Delays and cancellations are expected for the rest of the day.

Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director, said: “We’re sorry to passengers affected by the problems with the overhead power lines in Bramhall.

“We have specialist repair teams on site working as fast as they can to fix the cables and restore power so trains can safely run again through the area.

“Disruption is until late afternoon so we’re urging people to plan their journeys and check before they travel with their train operator or National Rail Enquiries.”

Work will take place throughout the day to reopen the line as soon as possible.

Investigations into what caused the overhead lines to be brought down are ongoing.