Click here to listen to the latest rail news on Friday, 17th April 2026.
InTheNews: The latest rail news on Friday 17th April 2026
Rail passengers trying to head into or away from Manchester have been warned to expect more severe disruption as engineers battle to repair damaged overhead lines near Piccadilly station.
An article on the BBC website says services are expected to face sudden cancellations or delays of up to an hour until about 11:00 BST, according to Network Rail.
A team of engineers has “worked through the night” to try to fix the problem, which first arose on Thursday, a spokesperson said.
Some replacement bus services are being provided and tickets may be valid on alternative routes if trains are cancelled.
A contractor has been appointed to carry out major improvement works at Earlestown Rail Station, enabling the scheme to move to the design phase.
An article on Insider Media says the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority – acting as delivery partner for St Helens Borough Council – has awarded the contract to Merseyrail.
The funding is part of the £20m Earlestown Town Centre Levelling Up Fund Round 2 that was secured by St Helens Borough Council in 2023.
Plans for a border-Essex neighbourhood to get a brand new railway station have progressed, as the government confirms that the new station could be accommodated within the existing railway network.
An article on Essex Live says Beam Park railway station is a planned railway station to serve the new community of Beam Park in Rainham, via the c2c line.
The government has now confirmed a new Beam Park rail station could be accommodated within the existing rail network, giving the scheme a clearer path forward.
Now, the GLA, London Borough of Havering, Transport for London, and partners are working to secure the funding needed to deliver it.
Network Rail has been carrying out a series of joint rail safety operations across Teesside, County Durham and the North East over the Easter period, in partnership with British Transport Police (BTP) and Northern.
The two-week programme – now in its sixth year – forms part of Network Rail’s anti-trespass prevention activity and is aimed at reducing unsafe behaviour on and near the railway, minimising disruption and engaging with communities.
Specialist teams from Network Rail have been out on the railway alongside BTP officers and Northern staff, from 7 to 17 April, with a particular focus on known trespass hotspots.
This year’s operations are making extensive use of drone technology, allowing teams to monitor hard-to-reach areas, spot risks early and respond swiftly before incidents occur.
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