Ongoing disruption to rail services after record temperatures yesterday
Direct routes from London to Scotland have been affected
Last updated 20th Jul 2022
There's ongoing disruption on the rails this morning (20th July) following yesterday's hot weather.
Here in Cumbria we reached highs of nearly 35 degrees Celcius, while other places in the UK topped 40 degrees.
The extreme heat saw a number of rail services cancelled or delayed yesterday due to damage to the lines or fires breaking out near to tracks which has left commuters looking for alternative ways to travel again today.
Avanti West Coast and Transpennine Express services have been suspended between Lancaster and Carlisle due to problems on the overhead lines.
Network Rail are also warning of power line damage affecting direct services to Scotland, and are asking people travelling on the West Coast main line to check before setting off on their journeys today.
People are being advised that journeys will take much longer than normal, could involve rail replacement buses and that fewer trains will be running
There'll be replacement buses between Carlisle and Preston this morning as their engineers work tirelessly to repair multiple sections of 25,000-volt overhead electric cables which power trains on the major rail route.
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.”