Tuesday 20 Oct 2026
Lancashire West Coast Main Line disruption due to overhead line fault
- Region & Route:
- North West & Central
- | North West & Central: North West
Rail passengers are being urged to check before they travel due to overhead line problems on the West Coast Main Line in Lancashire.
A fault with the 25,000-volt wires which power trains near Preston is causing disruption between Preston and Bolton.
Network Rail engineers have worked through the night and are currently still on site working as fast as they can to fix the problem.
While that is ongoing, customers are urged to check www.nationalrail.co.uk before they set off on their journey today.
Darren Miller, area director for Network Rail North West route, said: “We’re sorry to passengers impacted by the overhead line problems near Preston. Our engineers are on site trying to get the railway fully reopen as soon as possible. With disruption to some train services this morning, I’d urge people to check National Rail Enquiries before they set off on their journey.”
As this is a developing situation, people are advised to check @NetworkRailLC on X for the latest updates on the overhead line repairs.
For more on what happens when overhead lines fail you can visit: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/rail-travel/delays-explained/overhead-line-equipment-failures/
Contact information
Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41
Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries
Journalists
Leila Nock
Head of Communications - West Coast South route
Network Rail
0330 8540100 (Option 1)
leila.nock@networkrail.co.uk
About Network Rail
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