West Coast Main Line to reopen after train derailment
The rail line between Carlisle and Preston will reopen to passenger and freight services later tonight
Last updated 4th Nov 2025
The West Coast Main Line is set to fully reopen later tonight (4th November) after a train derailment in Shap in Cumbria.
It happened on Monday and caused significant disruption.
87 people were onboard the service from Glasgow to London when the front carriage came off the tracks yesterday morning.
Four people suffered minor injuries.
The line will reopen to passenger and freight services later tonight
It follows extensive repair work between Preston and Carlisle.
Network Rail said:
"Teams worked around the clock since yesterday morning, and all through today in extremely poor conditions, to remove the damaged train before repairing overhead line equipment, tracks and the surrounding bankings and groundworks.
"The train involved was travelling from Glasgow Central to London Euston when the driver reported hitting an object, at around 6.10am.
"Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt in the incident, and all were evacuated from the train to a nearby hotel and then sent by road to their destinations."
Phil James, North West Route Director for Network Rail, said: “We’re thankful to passengers for their patience during this disruption.
“Our teams have worked extremely hard in very challenging conditions to make sure the West Coast Main Line can be reopened to the public as soon as possible.
“Passengers should now check with train operators for the latest information on their services for tomorrow morning.”
Managing Director at Avanti West Coast, Andy Mellors, said: “I would firstly like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding during what has been an extremely challenging time.
“Not only have our staff, industry colleagues and the emergency services been rightly praised by customers for their response to the incident as well as the disruption, but Network Rail as well as other industry partners have also been working hard to restore the infrastructure and clear the route.
"The advice remains that we strongly advise customers continue to check the Avanti West Coast website and National Rail enquiries for the latest travel updates."
The first passenger services to run on the line will be the overnight Caledonian Sleeper services planned for tonight (Tuesday).