A trackside fire near Rugby has caused major disruption on the UK's busiest railway route, the West Coast Main Line. The northbound lines between London Euston and Rugby have been blocked, affecting services operated by Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern Railway.
Fire blocks northbound lines near Rugby
National Rail reported that a fire next to the track at Rugby forced the closure of northbound lines. In a statement, they said: 'A fire next to the track at Rugby means the northbound lines are blocked. Trains running through this station may be cancelled, delayed by up to 70 minutes or revised. Major disruption is expected until the end of the day.'
Passengers took to social media to express frustration. One traveller on the 18:43 from Euston to Liverpool Lime Street reported being 'stationary for the best part of two hours near Rugby.' Another passenger in Tring, Hertfordshire, said: 'We've been stationary at Tring station for well over an hour, why are there trains on other lines in both directions moving?'
Advice for affected passengers
Avanti West Coast warned customers that trains passing through Rugby and Milton Keynes might be delayed, diverted or cancelled. London Northwestern Railway also advised passengers to expect significant delays.
Avanti West Coast customers can use their tickets on alternative routes: Chiltern Railways between London Marylebone and Birmingham Moor Street, and Transport for Wales between Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly, and between Crewe and Holyhead.
London Northwestern Railway is operating rail replacement services between Northampton and Coventry via Long Buckby, and between Coventry and Birmingham International.
Affected routes
- Avanti West Coast: services between London Euston and Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, Chester, Wrexham General, Holyhead, Crewe, Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Preston, Blackpool North, Glasgow Central, and Edinburgh.
- London Northwestern Railway: services between Milton Keynes Central or Northampton and Birmingham New Street, and between London Euston and Birmingham New Street, Walsall, or Crewe.
Passengers are advised to check National Rail Enquiries or their train operator's website for the latest updates before travelling.
