West Coast Mainline trains back on track after emergency repairs

Trains travelling on the West Coast Mainline are getting back on track after a section of the overhead lines were damaged between Preston and Lancaster.

The cable broke early Wednesday morning blocking the route in both directions, Network Rail said.

It left passengers stranded on trains for up to eight hours while engineers tried to fix the problem.

Three virgin trains were caught up in the disruption, with rescue trains and buses needing to be sent to collect stranded travellers.

In a tweet this morning, Virgin trains said: "Lines between Preston and Lancaster have now reopened but residual delays are expected. We advise checking your journey before travel."

Engineers worked through the night to fix a stretch of electrical wires.

A Network Rail spokesperson said on Wednesday afternoon: "We’re sorry to passengers affected by the problems between Preston and Lancaster.

"Investigations are underway to find out exactly how the cables were brought down but our immediate focus is to fix the cables in time for the start of service tomorrow.

"We’ve been working closely with train operators to recover stranded trains today.

"Passengers are being advised by some operators not to travel this evening and tickets will be valid tomorrow. For latest travel information please check www.nationailrail.co.uk."

Rail providers are advising travellers to check their journey for any delays that may still be place.

Bus replacement services arrive at Carlisle station. Credit: ITV Border

The following routes will still see some disruption as timetables return to normal:

  • Caledonian Sleeper between London Euston and Scotland

  • Northern between Manchester Airport and Barrow-in-Furness / Windermere

  • TransPennine Express between Manchester Airport and Glasgow Central / EdinburghVirgin

  • Trains between London Euston / Birmingham New Street and Glasgow Central / Edinburgh