Limited train services have started to run through Birmingham New Street after yesterday’s record-breaking temperatures damaged multiple sections of 25,000-volt overhead electric lines.
While Network Rail raced to fix the power cables overnight, passengers are being warned of further disruption today with delays and possible train cancellations.
Steven Ireland, Network Rail’s Central route performance and customer director, said: “We’re sorry to passengers impacted by the damaged caused to our overhead electric lines during the record-breaking heat. Specialist teams worked all night to get most routes back up and running today. I’d like to thank people for their patience and urge anyone planning a rail journey today to check before they travel before they set out by using the National Rail Enquiries website or app.”
Most routes will see trains start moving again but with trains and their crews out of place it will take some time to get back to a normal timetable.
There are no direct services between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton while work continues to repair damaged electric lines in Winson Green. Trains will not serve the stations in between but will instead take a diversion south via Perry Barr.
Repair work is continuing right across the country’s rail network after the extreme heat. It includes overhead line damage on the West Coast main line in North London, Lancashire and Cumbria.
People are advised that journeys will take longer, and trains could be busier while services return to normal after the unprecedented temperatures put a huge strain on the railway.
The advice is to check before you travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk.
Image credit: Network Rail
