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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Kris Gourlay

Edinburgh train passengers warned 'do not travel' due to major fault on line

Rail passengers are being told not to travel to Edinburgh for the rest of the day due to a major overhead wire issue on the line.

Earlier on Thursday, passengers in East Lothian and north of Newcastle were warned of the disruption that was expected to last hours. Rail providers LNER have issued a recent update saying that the issue will not be resolved for the rest of the day.

As a result, those expecting to travel to the capital, including commuters from work, are faced with chaos in order to make it home.

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The issue is believed to have been caused by damaged overhead wires at Prestonpans Station with Network Rail posting a picture, followed by the caption: "This is why no trains can run through Prestonpans. The cable you see dangling between the two platforms normally carries 25,000 volts to power electric trains."

LNER added: "Due to damage to the overhead lines between Berwick Upon-Tweed and Edinburgh, customers are strongly advised to defer travel until tomorrow (16 December). Please DO NOT TRAVEL to Edinburgh today."

Damage to overhead wires at Prestonpans has halted all travel to the capital from England and East Lothian. (Network Rail Scotland)

Initially, replacement coach services were put in place for those stranded on their way to the capital, although a recent update from LNER confirmed that there is now no alternative transport available.

They said: "Due to damage to the overhead electric wires between Berwick Upon-Tweed and Edinburgh, trains are subject to extended delays and cancellations There is currently no alternative transport available. DO NOT TRAVEL north of Newcastle."

The issue has caused uncertainty among travellers across the country, with many unsure if they are going to make it home to the capital. One user heading to Edinburgh tweeted: "Hi LNER, still no update! You have hundreds of people on-board who think this train is going to Edinburgh as driver keeps saying that's where we're going!"

One traveller, stuck in the capital, added: "What are you doing about people stranded in Edinburgh? People have been standing outside the station since noon. Are coaches coming? People outside are being told there are four coaches coming."

ScotRail also confirmed that those looking to travel to and from North Berwick on Thursday will not be able to do so, although replacement coaches will leaving both Edinburgh and North Berwick at 30 minutes past the hour until 4:40pm from Edinburgh and 5:30pm from North Berwick.

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