Tuesday 4 Nov 2025
West Coast Main Line set to reopen following Shap derailment
- Region & Route:
- North West & Central
The West Coast Main Line is set to fully reopen later tonight after a train derailment in Shap, Cumbria, on Monday caused significant disruption.
The line will be reopened to passenger and freight services later tonight (Tuesday 4 November).
It follows extensive repair work completed by Network Rail engineers at the scene of the derailment, between Preston and Carlisle.
Teams worked around the clock since yesterday morning, and all through today in extremely poor conditions, to remove the damaged train before repairing overhead line equipment, tracks and the surrounding bankings and groundworks.
The train involved was travelling from Glasgow Central to London Euston when the driver reported hitting an object, at around 6.10am. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt in the incident, and all were evacuated from the train to a nearby hotel and then sent by road to their destinations.
Phil James, North West Route Director for Network Rail, said: “We’re thankful to passengers for their patience during this disruption.
“Our teams have worked extremely hard in very challenging conditions to make sure the West Coast Main Line can be reopened to the public as soon as possible.
“Passengers should now check with train operators for the latest information on their services for tomorrow morning.”
Managing Director at Avanti West Coast, Andy Mellors, said: “I would firstly like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding during what has been an extremely challenging time.
“Not only have our staff, industry colleagues and the emergency services been rightly praised by customers for their response to the incident as well as the disruption, but Network Rail as well as other industry partners have also been working hard to restore the infrastructure and clear the route.
"The advice remains that we strongly advise customers continue to check the Avanti West Coast website and National Rail enquiries for the latest travel updates."
The first passenger services to run on the line will be the overnight Caledonian Sleeper services planned for tonight (Tuesday).
For up-to-date travel information and detail on alternative travel please check www.nationalrail.co.uk.
Contact information
Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41
Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries
Journalists
Network Rail press office - North West & Central Region
0330 854 0100
NWCmediarelations@networkrail.co.uk
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