Direct trains between Scotland and London have been cancelled for Wednesday, after unprecedented temperatures caused damage to rail tracks.
All major routes between London King's Cross and Aberdeen / Edinburgh and London Euston and Glasgow are affected. Passengers are being urged to check National Rail Enquiries before they travel, with people being asked not to travel unless necessary.
Repair work is continuing right across the country’s rail network after the extreme heat. People are advised that journeys will take longer, and trains could be busier while services return to normal after the unprecedented temperatures put a huge strain on the railway.
Network Rail Scotland said it had been a "very challenging 24 hours". Engineers in England have been working through the night to restore the power lines damaged between Lancaster and Carnforth, at Harrow in North London, Birmingham New Street and near Wolverhampton.
It's estimated multiple sections of 25,000-volt overhead electric cables have been damaged and the "complex" repair will continue today.
Rail replacement buses are in operation between Preston and Carlisle, and fewer trains are running overall on the west coast line. Anyone planning to travel should check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk.
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.”
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