Disruption is expected to continue until 8pm
Services between Wigan and Salford are affected(Image: IYA)
Train services are being cancelled and delayed with some stations not served as a tree blocks railway lines in Greater Manchester. Some of the lines between Salford Crescent and Wigan Wallgate are blocked with disruption affecting services across the North West.
It means train services heading from Salford to Wigan are being diverted via Bolton with all stations between Swinton and Daisy Hill not served in this direction. Customers for these stations have been told to travel to Wigan and board services back to Manchester.
The disruption is also affecting services between Leeds and Wigan Wallgate, from Blackburn to Headbolt Lane and Manchester Victoria to Wigan North Western. Northern train ticket restrictions have been lifted in the affected areas during the disruption.
Northern customers can also use their tickets on the 36, 37, 38, V2, and 607 bus routes in Greater Manchester at no extra cost. A rail replacement service has also been put on between Manchester Victoria and Wigan Wallgate via Atherton this evening (December 9).
In an update on X shortly after 6pm, Northern said that maintenance teams were liaising with the train crew in an attempt to move the train forwards. According to the rail operator’s website, the disruption is expected to continue until 8pm.
The operator said: “Due to a tree blocking the railway between Salford Crescent and Wigan Wallgate some lines are blocked.
“Services between Salford Crescent and Wigan Wallgate are being disrupted due to a tree blocking the railway. Network Rail advise a tree is blocking the line, the estimate for staff on site is 2000.
“Train services are unable to run between Salford Crescent and Wigan Wallgate (in this direction only). Services will divert via Bolton, all stations between Swinton and Daisy Hill will not be served in this direction only.”