STORM FRANCIS: Railway disruption after heavy wind and rain

Following Storm Francis, a number of train operating companies are experiencing delays today (Wednesday 26th August 2020).

As a result of this widespread disruption, we thought we would collate the information we know so far and let you know which areas currently have disruption.

Please check before travelling with your operator, as information will change quickly.

Here is what we know so far:

Northern

• Disruption between Rochdale and Hebden Bridge
  • Flooding at Walsden means trains are currently unable to run between Rochdale and Hebden Bridge.
  • No estimate to the time of normal running (reported 12:00)
  • Rail replacement buses will be in operation as
    • Road transport will depart Rochdale at xx:00 and xx:30, calling at all stations to Hebden Bridge
    • Road transport will depart Hebden Bridge, at xx:00 and xx:30, calling at all stations to Rochdale
    • An express service will operate between Hebden Bridge and Rochdale, departing at xx:45 (in both directions)
  • Please note: delays of up to 80 minutes may be incurred to your journey
  • Ticket acceptance is in place with Metrolink between Rochdale and Manchester Victoria, and then on TransPennine Express services between Manchester and Leeds.
• Disruption between Preston and Bolton
  • A landslip between Buckshaw Parkway and Chorley is blocking the line between Bolton and Leyland
  • Trains delayed by up to 30 minutes
  • Disruption expected until the end of day
  • Rail replacement buses are in operation between Preston and Bolton
  • Transpennine Express passengers travelling to Bolton are advised to change at Manchester Oxford Road and change to a Northern service to Bolton.

Transport for Wales

• Disruption between Holyhead and Llandudno Junction
  • Flooding has blocked the line between Holyhead and Llandudno Junction meaning no trains can run.
  • Disruption expected until the end of the day
  • Mutual ticket acceptance is in place with Avanti West Coast and Transport for Wales
  • Buses are in operation between Holyhead and Llandudno Junction
• Disruption between Aberdare and Abercynon
  • A tree has blocked the line between Aberdare and Abercynon
  • Disruption until 12:15
  • Rail replacement buses are in operation
• Disruption between Machynlleth and Welshpool
  • A tree has fallen between Machynlleth and Welshpool
    • UPDATE: Tree has been removed
  • Disruption expected until 12:00

Southeastern

• Disruption between London Charing Cross and Hayes
  • A tree is blocking the line at New Beckenham
  • All lines blocked
  • Disruption is expected until 12:00

Southern

• Disruption at East Croydon
  • A person has been hit by a train at East Croydon
  • Disruption expected until 13:00
  • Ticket acceptance is in place with
    • Southern and Thameslink
    • South Western Railway
    • London Underground
    • London Overground
    • Southeastern
    • LNER
    • Great Northern

Once again, please check with your rail operator before travelling

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