Network Rail ScotlandTrains running from Glasgow and Edinburgh across the border into England face further disruption as repairs take “longer than expected” after a fallen tree destroyed overhead wires.
Services on the West Coast Main Line between Motherwell and Carlisle were cancelled, delayed and revised on Thursday after a fallen tree caused significant damage to wiring.
Images from the fault at Beattock in Dumfries and Galloway shared by Network Rail showed the extent of the damage with the line fully blocked.
Network RailOperators Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express advised passengers not to travel north of Preston, and services to London Euston and Manchester Airport were affected.
Network Rail Scotland said “unfortunately”, repairs were taking slightly longer than expected as engineers hoped to reopen the main line at 10.30pm on Thursday.
Passengers reported being stuck at Carlisle for more than six hours with some having to book taxis due to a lack of buses available, describing the disruption as “disgraceful”.
On Friday, Avanti West Coast said it expected alterations to services across all routes to continue into the morning.
“We’re really sorry if this affects you and your journey,” a spokesperson said.
Customers are advised that coaches have been requested to operate from Carlisle towards Glasgow and Edinburgh. However, road transport is said to be “extremely limited”.
What can I do if my journey has been disrupted?
Train operators have issued advise to customers affected by the disruption on Thursday.
An Avanti West Coast statement said: “Following multiple incidents that affected our network yesterday, we expect alterations to services across all routes to continue into this morning.
“There may be some short-notice changes to our services today, 27 September, following multiple incidents across our network yesterday. Please use the link below to check your journey before you travel.
“If your journey was affected by the disruption yesterday and you have a ticket dated 26 September, you can travel today, 27 September, on any Avanti West Coast service via the same route.
“If your train was delayed or cancelled and you abandoned your journey as a result, you can claim a fee free refund from where you bought your ticket. If you are delayed by 15 minutes or more, you can claim Delay Repay compensation from the train company you’d booked to travel with.
“We’re really sorry if this affects you and your journey.”
A TransPennine Express statement read: “Due to damage to the overhead electric wires between Lockerbie and Carstairs, TransPennine Express train services which are scheduled to operate between Carlisle and Glasgow Central/Edinburgh may be subject to delay, alteration and cancellations.
“Customers who are unable to travel as a result of the disruption can use the same tickets on Friday 27 September.”
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