Train passengers are facing delays and possible cancelled services today as railway engineers carry out a 'safety inspection' along a stretch of line. Train operator Northern said the line has been blocked and trains were 'unable to run' from Manchester Airport towards Manchester Piccadilly.
The exact issue hasn't been revealed, but Northern said train services 'running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 30 minutes'.
Northern revealed the news on a series of Twitter posts. Passengers are able to use their tickets to travel on Metrolink between all Manchester railway stations and Manchester Airport.
They said: "Due to a safety inspection of the track between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport the line is blocked. Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 30 minutes.
"Services are unable to run from Manchester Airport towards Manchester Piccadilly, however disruption is expected in both directions as a result.
"Ticket acceptance is in place with Manchester Metrolink between Manchester stations and Manchester Airport."
Disruption, said Northern, was expected until just before 5pm and Network Rail engineers were said to be en route to carry out the inspection.
As a result, a number of trains are being held. Northern added on its website: "First services affected: 14:17 Crewe - Liverpool Lime Street (16:31) is currently being held at Manchester Airport and will divert via Wilmslow towards Manchester.
"13:07 Windermere - Manchester Airport (15:17) was terminated at Manchester Piccadilly. 15:28 Manchester Airport - Barrow-in-Furness (18:03) will start at Manchester Piccadilly.
"Northern ticket holders have acceptance on Metrolink services between Manchester stations and Manchester Airport to help customers complete their journey."
No further details have been revealed.
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