Clear up underway in Greater Manchester following Storm Claudia damage
Part of the train line is closed after major damage to power cables
Clear up work is ongoing here and across the North West - following the heavy rain and strong winds caused by Storm Claudia.
The train line between Manchester Airport and Manchester Piccadilly is currently closed following major damage to overhead power wires.
Meanwhile the Manchester Airport relief road was flooded, with Stockport Council saying work is ongoing to clear it.
Network Rail teams are working on repair plans at Heald Green on the line that serves Manchester Airport after strong winds brought trees and vegetation down onto equipment that provides power to electric trains.
Before repairs can begin, engineers are working to move a stranded train at the location of the damaged overhead equipment. Once the train is clear of the area, a full assessment of the damaged wires will take place and repairs completed to safely reopen the railway as soon as possible.
Darren Miller, infrastructure director for Network Rail's North West route, said:
“We’re sorry to passengers who continue to be affected by the effects of Storm Claudia today, which has caused significant damage to overhead line equipment across routes in the North West, including the Manchester Airport line.
“While we work on a plan to repair damaged equipment and safely reopen the line, I’m urging passengers to please check before they travel with their train operator or with National Rail Enquiries.”
A limited train service is in operation between Alderley Edge, Wilmslow and Manchester Airport, as well as ticket acceptance in place with Metrolink for tram services between Manchester Piccadilly and the airport.