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Main rail line crippled by delays West Coast main line damage fixed
(about 1 hour later)
Services on the West Coast main line continue to be severely disrupted after overhead power cables came down at Watford Junction. Engineers have worked overnight to successfully repair damage to overhead power cables on the West Coast main line at Watford Junction.
It means there are no trains in or out of London Euston, as many people return to work after Christmas and New Year. Trains in and out of Euston were cancelled and replacement bus services laid on for passengers after the cables came down on Sunday afternoon.
The problems came as a section of the same line in Staffordshire closed after a plane crashed between the tracks. Virgin Trains still expects to run a reduced service until midday on Monday.
Network Rail said "extensive damage" meant services at Euston were unlikely to resume until mid-morning on Monday. However, Network Rail said London Midland was now running a "largely normal" service.
Network Rail said there had been "extensive damage" to overhead power cables.
The problems at Watford came as a section of the same line in Staffordshire closed after a plane crashed between the tracks.
A light aircraft hit the line near Stafford on Friday, killing three people on board.A light aircraft hit the line near Stafford on Friday, killing three people on board.
Not a good weekend for us, and our customers in particular Chris GibbVirgin TrainsNot a good weekend for us, and our customers in particular Chris GibbVirgin Trains
Train services were reduced while engineers worked to remove the wreckage and fix the damaged tracks.Train services were reduced while engineers worked to remove the wreckage and fix the damaged tracks.
However on Sunday, before the line was fully back to normal, damaged power cables further south at Watford Junction hit the service again.However on Sunday, before the line was fully back to normal, damaged power cables further south at Watford Junction hit the service again.
The Chief Operating Officer for Virgin Trains, Chris Gibb, was at Milton Keynes station where passengers had to leave trains and use replacement buses to continue their journeys south.The Chief Operating Officer for Virgin Trains, Chris Gibb, was at Milton Keynes station where passengers had to leave trains and use replacement buses to continue their journeys south.
He said: "No sooner had we fixed the problems caused by the light aircraft that crashed near Stafford, unfortunately the overhead wires came down at Watford Junction, blocking all four tracks there.He said: "No sooner had we fixed the problems caused by the light aircraft that crashed near Stafford, unfortunately the overhead wires came down at Watford Junction, blocking all four tracks there.
"So not a good weekend for us, and our customers in particular.""So not a good weekend for us, and our customers in particular."
Network Rail said engineers were working through the night to repair "extensive damage" to the line.
A spokeswoman advised passengers to check with train operators before starting journeys.
London Midland and Virgin Trains run services in and out of Euston.
Virgin Trains normally run about 10 services an hour from Euston to Milton Keynes.
RAIL ENQUIRIES For more information on train times call 08457 48 49 50 National Rail EnquiriesVirgin TrainsLondon Midland The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sitesRAIL ENQUIRIES For more information on train times call 08457 48 49 50 National Rail EnquiriesVirgin TrainsLondon Midland The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
Virgin services north of Milton Keynes are operating and there are replacement bus services between London Euston, Milton Keynes Central and Luton. The West Coast main line is now open but Virgin services are likely to be impacted due to displacement of trains and crews, a statement from Network Rail said.
London Overground Services are not affected between London Euston and Watford Junction. Passengers are advised to check with train operators before starting journeys.
London Midland and Virgin Trains run services in and out of Euston.
London Overground services are not affected between London Euston and Watford Junction.
A spokesman for Virgin Trains added that Virgin tickets would be valid on other rail operators where alternative routes were possible.A spokesman for Virgin Trains added that Virgin tickets would be valid on other rail operators where alternative routes were possible.
He advised passengers to delay their journeys.He advised passengers to delay their journeys.
"I know many people will find that impossible, but if it is possible to delay a journey, or at least schedule a meeting for later in the morning, that may make things easier," he said."I know many people will find that impossible, but if it is possible to delay a journey, or at least schedule a meeting for later in the morning, that may make things easier," he said.
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Do you travel on this line? Have you been affected by these disruptions? You can send us your experiences using the form below:Do you travel on this line? Have you been affected by these disruptions? You can send us your experiences using the form below:
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