Avanti West Coast has warned of disruptions to regular services following a signalling fault between Birmingham New Street and Crewe.
All lines have become blocked due to the fault, with the rail operator warning of ‘cancellations or delays’ to services operating between the two stations.
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The issues were first reported by the rail operator at around 2.08pm, with the group advising that ticket acceptance has been agreed in both directions between Birmingham New Street and Crewe, Chester and Manchester Piccadilly and Chester and Crewe.
Ticket rail acceptance has also been agreed on for services operating between Shrewsbury and Newport, South Wales.
On X, Avanti West Coast said: “Due to a fault with the signalling system between Birmingham New Street and Crewe, all lines are blocked.
“Trains running through these stations may be cancelled or delayed.”
It comes as London Northwestern Railway announce a complete loss of power between Stafford and Stoke, with all services between the two stations being cancelled.
The group announced that bus services are on route to Stafford and Crewe to operate replacement services between the stations.
On X, the rail operator said: “Complete loss of power in Stafford and Stoke area.
“All services through this area are cancelled.
“Buses are on route to Stafford and Crewe to operate replacement services. Mutual ticket acceptance is in place with Avanti West Coast between London Euston and Liverpool Lime Street; however, note that Avanti services are also impacted by this issue.”
Cross Country Trains have also announced issues with their services due to the issue, warning that all services between Birmingham New Street and Manchester Piccadilly in both directions are suspended.
They said: “Due to a total loss of signalling in the Stafford and Stoke on Trent area, all services between Birmingham New Street and Manchester Piccadilly in both directions are currently suspended.”
Avanti West Coast urged rail users ‘do not attempt to travel’, as the disruptions are expected until the end of the day.
A spokesperson said: ” Departures from London Euston are suspended due to a major fault with the signalling system in the Stafford area. This affects multiple Avanti West Coast routes, including journeys to/from Manchester, Liverpool, Scotland and North Wales.
“Please do not attempt to travel as major disruption is expected until the end of the day.
“If you have an Avanti West Coast ticket dated 21 November, you can now use it at no extra cost on 22 November, on any Avanti West Coast service via the same route.”
More to follow as the updates are announced.
