Engineers carry out repair work after the UK’s hottest day

Teams worked around the clock to get infrastructure back to normal after record-breaking temperatures hammered the UK on Tuesday.

On Wednesday morning, West Coast main line passengers were urged to check National Rail Enquiries before they set off on their journey — with no direct trains between London and Scotland.

Network Rail engineers worked tirelessly to repair multiple sections of  25,000-volt overhead electric cables which power trains on the major rail route.

Network Rail teams worked through Tuesday night and into Wednesday to restore the power lines damaged:

• Between Lancaster and Carnforth
• At Harrow in North London
• At Birmingham New Street
• Near Wolverhampton

This meant less trains running in and out of London Euston, and rail replacement buses in operation between Preston and Carlisle.

James Dean, Network Rail’s West Coast South route director, said: “We’re sorry to passengers impacted by the damaged caused to our overhead electric lines during the record-breaking heat. Specialist teams worked all night but have been unable to fix the cables in time for the start of service this morning. We’re doing everything we can to get things back up and running. In the meantime, please check National Rail Enquiries before you set off on your journey as delays will continue today.”

On Birmingham New Street trains getting underway, Steven Ireland, Network Rail’s Central route performance and customer director, said: “We’re sorry to passengers impacted by the damaged caused to our overhead electric lines during the record-breaking heat. Specialist teams worked all night to get most routes back up and running today. I’d like to thank people for their patience and urge anyone planning a rail journey today to check before they travel before they set out by using the National Rail Enquiries website or app.”

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