Passengers at Manchester Piccadilly Station are facing severe disruption after damage to overhead electric wires forced the closure of several lines. Network Rail confirmed the issue, which began just before midday, is causing cancellations and delays of up to 60 minutes, with major disruption expected until the end of the day.
Engineers are on site working to repair the damage. In an update just before 2pm, the station stated that most trains in and out of Piccadilly will be delayed or cancelled. Operators are advising affected customers to check their train status and consider compensation options.
Avanti West Coast has suspended services to Piccadilly, but tickets for today will be valid for travel tomorrow at no extra cost. CrossCountry is running rail replacement buses between Manchester Piccadilly and Macclesfield via Bestway, Zan Travel and Amans Travel.
Northern has advised passengers not to travel on its Piccadilly routes to Crewe, Stoke-on-Trent, Hadfield, Buxton and Chester, with no replacement buses available. TransPennine Express reported delays and short-notice cancellations on services to and from Piccadilly and Manchester Airport.
Transport for Wales said services between Crewe and Piccadilly are terminating at Wilmslow, while services to Manchester Airport are returning to normal. Buses have been arranged between Piccadilly and Wilmslow. Most operators are allowing affected customers to use their tickets on reasonable alternative routes with other companies at no extra cost.
