Network Rail works to restore signalling after lunchtime outage
Rail passengers across the Midlands and north-west England face further disruption after a power outage at the Manchester Rail Operating Centre caused widespread cancellations and delays.
Network Rail reported that additional disruption was likely because many trains and their crew “are not where they would normally be after this unexpected incident.”
The disruption means some trains will be delayed, cancelled or sent on revised routes across the network.
The Manchester Rail Operating Centre is the main control hub for north-west England’s railways. Electricity cut out at the centre, causing signalling issues that led to widespread cancellations and delays to services.
Network Rail engineers have been working to fix the signalling systems affected by the power cut, which occurred at lunchtime.
Chris Wright, Network Rail’s North West route director, said: “I’m extremely sorry for the disruption today and the very difficult journeys many people have experienced.”
Wright said Network Rail’s engineers were working to restore the signalling systems affected by the power cut.