Media centre

Tuesday 13 Oct 2020

Significant delay to rail services after power line damage

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Coast

A Scottish Power cable has fallen onto the overhead lines which power electric rail services at Scremerston on the East Coast Main Line.

It’s caused significant damage and power lines are across the track. No LNER or CrossCountry trains are expected to run directly between Newcastle and Berwick upon Tweed for the rest of today (Tuesday 13 October). Northern will run as far as Chat Hill. Where possible trains are being diverted and road transport is also being provided.

Paul Rutter, Route Director for Network Rail, said: “We’re really sorry that passengers on the East Coast Main Line have suffered such disruption today. This morning there was a fatality at Stevenage and now we have significant damage to the overhead power lines in the north east. The two incidents combined have caused significant delays and disruption.

“We’re working closely with Scottish Power to make the area of the overhead power damage safe for engineers to get on site. They’ll then judge the amount of work needed to get trains running safely through the area.  We’re doing this as quickly as possible but expect that the East Coast Main Line in this area will remain closed to trains for the rest of today.

“We’re all working to get trains moving through the area in the morning. Updates on services will be posted on National Rail Enquiries as soon as they are available.”

ENDS