Network RailTrains running from Glasgow and Edinburgh across the border into England have faced a day of disruption 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.
Operators such as Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express advised passengers not to travel north of Preston, and services to London Euston and Manchester Airport wereaffected.
A National Rail statement read: “An object caught on the overhead electric wires between Lockerbie and Carstairs means that all lines are currently closed.
“As a result, trains between Carlisle and Glasgow Central and Edinburgh may be cancelled or revised.
“Major disruption is expected until the end of the day.”
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”.
Network Rail expects repairs to be completed after 9pm on Thursday.
What can I do if my journey has been disrupted?
Multiple providers have issued advise to customers affected by the disruption on Thursday.
An Avanti West Coast statement said: “We are advising do not travel north of Preston.
“No further coaches are available from Preston, Carlisle and Glasgow Central.
“Customers who choose not to travel due to today’s disruption north of Preston can use their ticket dated for travel today, Thursday September 26 to travel tomorrow, Friday September 27 at no extra cost.
“Alternatively, customers can claim a full refund from their point of purchase or, if you travel today and your journey is delayed by 15 minutes or more, you can claim delay repay compensation through the operator that you travelled with.”
Avanti West Coast customers can use their ticket on the following services at no extra cost:
- LNER between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh.
- TransPennine Express via any reasonable route.
- ScotRail between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh.
- CrossCountry between Birmingham New Street and Edinburgh.
A TransPennine Express statement read: “Customers with tickets dated today, Thursday, September 26 are strongly advised to defer travel where possible until tomorrow, Friday, September 27.
“You may do this at no extra cost.”
Customers can use their ticket on the following services at no extra cost:
- CrossCountry services from Glasgow and Edinburgh towards Leeds and change here for TransPennine Express services to Manchester stations.
- LNER services from Edinburgh towards York and change here for TransPennine Express services to Manchester stations.
- Northern services between Preston and Manchester Airport, Preston and Liverpool Lime Street and between Newcastle and Carlisle.
- ScotRail services between Glasgow and Edinburgh where onward connections can be made.
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