Engineers are working at the scene after the issue at Bolton station
Bolton station(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Passengers are being warned to expect a day of disruption affecting trains at Bolton. No services are able to run between Bolton and Preston this morning (March 25) – affecting several Northern and TransPennine Express routes between Lancashire and Manchester.
The issue has been caused by damage to the overhead lines between Bolton and Lostock, according to National Rail. It says passengers are likely to see major disruption throughout the day.
A spokesperson for National Rail said: “Damage to the overhead wires between Bolton and Lostock means that all lines are blocked between these stations. Trains are unable to run between Bolton and Preston until the damage has been repaired.
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“Trains scheduled to run between these stations will divert via an alternative route, resulting in delays of up to 30 minutes. Some services may also be cancelled or revised to reduce congestion whilst trains are diverting. Major disruption is expected until the end of the day.”
The issue is affecting Northern services between Manchester Airport and Blackpool North, Manchester Victoria and Clitheroe, Manchester Airport and Barrow-in-Furness, Manchester Victoria and Southport, and Wigan Wallgate and Stalybridge. Diversions will be in place on these routes, meaning passengers will be delayed throughout the day.
Rail replacement buses are running from Bolton to Manchester Piccadilly at 8am, and from Preston to Manchester Piccadilly at 8.15am, calling at all stations. TransPennine Express services from Scotland to Manchester will also be unable to call at Bolton.
Network Rail staff are on site investigating the issue. A spokesperson for Network Rail in Manchester posted on X: “Due to a track fault in the Bolton area lines are currently blocked.
“Our engineers are working on a fix and will get you on the move asap. This affects services between Preston and Wigan and Preston to Manchester. Check your journey.”
