Brit commute nightmare as main fireplace causes disruptions throughout key cities
Passengers face major disruption between Manchester and Yorkshire as repairs continue following blaze in tunnel near Marsden, leaving thousands in chaos during the morning commute
Not a fun morning(Image: Guven Ozdemir via Getty Images)
Travellers will continue to endure severe disruption on their morning commute on a key railway line linking Manchester and Yorkshire today (Monday, January 26) following a blaze that erupted in Standedge Tunnel.
Chaos first began yesterday when the fire ignited in the tunnel close to Marsden. The route has been completely closed between Marsden and Stalybridge, leaving services either scrapped or running behind schedule.
Today, restoration work is ongoing in the tunnel, Network Rail has confirmed, but commuters will continue to experience upheaval as certain trains are rerouted through the Calder Valley, reports the Manchester Evening News, or cancelled entirely.
In a message on X, Network Rail Manchester stated: “Following yesterday’s fire in Standedge Tunnel (between Marsden and Stalybridge), repairs to the tunnel continue today. Trains will divert at Calder Valley where possible, with ticket acceptance and rail replacement buses in place.”
National Rail issued warnings of significant disruption caused by the fire and subsequent repair work.
“Following a fire in Standedge Tunnel, it is currently not safe to use the tunnel until further repairs can be completed”, a statement read on the website.
“As a result, all lines are closed and trains running between Marsden / Todmorden and Manchester Victoria will either be cancelled, delayed or diverted via an alternative route.”
Affected routes encompass Northern services linking Stalybridge and Manchester Victoria/Wigan Wallgate/Wigan North Western/Southport.
Several TransPennine Services, including those operating between Manchester Victoria and Leeds, are also impacted. Northern Rail announced on X on Monday morning: “There is disruption between Manchester Victoria and Leeds due to urgent repairs to a tunnel taking place. Train services running through these stations may be cancelled.
“Northern ticket holders will be accepted on TransPennine Express services between Manchester Victoria and Leeds in both directions until further notice.”
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