Major disruption at Manchester Piccadilly after wire damage
Delays and cancellations expected across multiple routes
Last updated 7 hours ago
Passengers travelling through Manchester Piccadilly are facing major disruption after damage to overhead electric wires.
National Rail says trains to and from Manchester Piccadilly may be cancelled, revised or delayed by up to 60 minutes, with disruption expected to last until the end of today (Friday 17th April)
Multiple operators affected
Several train companies are impacted, including Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Northern, TransPennine Express and Transport for Wales.
Network Rail engineers are currently on site attempting to fix the issue, which was first reported at 11:30 on Thursday 16th April.
Avanti West Coast has confirmed its trains will not call at Manchester Piccadilly, while Northern services on multiple routes were cancelled earlier in the day, with passengers advised not to travel on some lines.
Replacement travel and ticket acceptance
Passengers are being urged to check before they travel and allow extra time for their journeys.
Tickets are being accepted across a wide range of alternative services at no extra cost, including:
- CrossCountry, Northern and TransPennine Express routes
- Metrolink tram services across Manchester
- Bee Network bus services in the local area
Rail replacement transport is also running on some routes, including between Sheffield and Manchester Piccadilly via Stockport, although journeys may take up to 90 minutes longer.
Advice for passengers
National Rail has issued guidance for those affected, stating: “Trains running to / from this station may be cancelled, revised or severely delayed by up to 60 minutes. Major disruption is expected until the end of the day.”
Passengers whose services are cancelled can use tickets on alternative trains or request a full refund if they choose not to travel.
Some operators are also allowing tickets from Thursday 16th April to be used on Friday 17th April at no additional cost.
Ongoing impact across the network
Services between key locations including Manchester Airport, Liverpool Lime Street, Sheffield and Crewe are among those disrupted, with some routes subject to short notice cancellations.
Transport for Wales has warned that services between Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly are terminating at Wilmslow, with replacement buses in operation.
Passengers are advised to monitor live updates and station announcements as disruption continues throughout the day.
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