Overview

• All lines through Earlestown closed early this morning, halting services between Manchester, Liverpool and Warrington Bank Quay.
• Northern, TransPennine Express and Transport for Wales reported cancellations or revisions, with affected routes including Northern’s Chester–Leeds via Manchester Victoria and TPE’s Liverpool–Newcastle.
• National Rail said disruption is expected until about 09:00 with delays and cancellations through the rush hour.
• Rail replacement buses were requested and are being arranged between Huyton and Manchester Oxford Road and between Warrington Bank Quay and Manchester Victoria, with additional buses sought via Lea Green and Newton-le-Willows.
• Diverted trains cannot serve Lea Green or Newton-le-Willows, journeys by road may take up to an hour longer, and ticket restrictions were eased with acceptance on alternatives such as East Midlands Railway, TPE and Transport for Wales.