It comes on one of the busiest days of the year for shoppers and partygoers
Stockport station(Image: LDRS)
Rail passengers are facing another problem affecting services in Greater Manchester. Northern has already warned passengers to expect cancellations and disruption amid a crew shortage in the North West today (December 20).
Now, services running through Stockport have been hit by another snag. National Rail says a broken rail in Hazel Grove means lines between Manchester Piccadilly, Stockport and Buxton are facing delays and possible cancellations.
Northern, TransPennine Express and East Midlands Railway services which run through Stockport are all affected. It comes on the last Saturday before Christmas, when shoppers and partygoers are expected in their droves.
A National Rail spokesperson said: “A broken rail in the Hazel Grove area means the lines towards Manchester Piccadilly are blocked. Trains running between Sheffield / Buxton and Manchester Piccadilly may be revised, delayed by up to 15 minutes or diverted.
“Disruption is expected until 6.15pm. Network Rail engineers are aware of the issue and are sending a team to site.”
The issue is affecting trains running to Manchester Piccadilly from the direction of Sheffield and the Peak District. Northern services from Buxton and Hazel Grove to Manchester Piccadilly are among those affected.
TransPennnine Express services from Cleethorpes to Liverpool Lime Street, via Manchester and Sheffield, are also affected. East Midlands Railway services to Liverpool Lime Street from Norwich, Sleaford and Nottingham, via Manchester, are also impacted by the issue.
Some services are being diverted through Romiley and may not call at Stockport. The diversion could add 15 minutes to journey time, National Rail says.
Ticket restrictions have been lifted for customers affected. National Rail is urging passengers to check the latest situation before they travel.