Heatwave damage means no direct trains between London and Scotland

West Coast main line passengers are being urged to check National Rail Enquiries before they set off on their journey with no direct trains between London and Scotland.

People are being advised that journeys will take much longer than normal, could involve rail replacement buses and that fewer trains will be running today (Wednesday) as work continues to repair the heatwave damaged railway.

Anyone planning to travel on the West Coast main line should check before they travel at: www.nationalrail.co.uk. 

It’s as Network Rail engineers work tirelessly to repair multiple sections of  25,000-volt overhead electric cables which power trains on the major rail route.

Network Rail teams have been working throughout the night trying to restore the power lines damaged:

Between Lancaster and Carnforth

At Harrow in North London

At Birmingham New Street

Near Wolverhampton

The complex repair work will continue today in all locations meaning fewer trains will be running in and out of London Euston, and rail replacement buses will be in operation between Preston and Carlisle.

Avanti West Coast says its train services on other routes out of London Euston may also be cancelled.

James Dean, Network Rail’s West Coast South route director, said: “We’re sorry to passengers impacted by the damaged caused to our overhead electric lines during the record-breaking heat.

"Specialist teams worked all night but have been unable to fix the cables in time for the start of service this morning.

"We’re doing everything we can to get things back up and running.

"In the meantime, please check National Rail Enquiries before you set off on your journey as delays will continue today.”

Repair work is continuing right across the country’s rail network after the extreme heat.

People are advised that journeys will take longer, and trains could be busier while services return to normal after the unprecedented temperatures put a huge strain on the railway.

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