Trains are resuming this morning after a freight train derailed earlier this week, with repair and recovery making progress.

The derailed freight wagon has been rerailed, and repairs to the infrastructure have been made.

The railway reopened at the start of service this morning (8th May).

Network Rail is working with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to find the cause of the derailment.

This continues to be a hugely challenging situation, but we have made good progress and will continue to use all our teams and our experience to reopen the railway as quickly as we can. Provided the recovery work continues as we have carefully planned, our focus is to reopen the railway for the start of service on Friday.

“While it was a low-speed, single wagon derailment, it has still caused significant disruption to passengers and extensive damage to the track and overhead power lines.

“Thank you for everyone’s patience while we manage this situation and please continue to check before you travel for the latest information.”

Martin Colmey, operations director for Network Rail’s Central route