Commuters warned of cancellations or delays after rail lines blocked between Birmingham and Crewe due to 'major signalling fault'
Train lines between Birmingham New Street and Crewe have reopened following a 'major signalling fault' in Staffordshire - though disruption to journeys is expected until the end of the day.
Avanti West Coast had warned of disruption to regular services following a signalling fault earlier today (Friday).
All lines were blocked due to the fault between Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford, with the rail operator warning of disruption to services operating between the two stations.
The issues were first reported by the rail operator at around 2.08pm today (Friday).
On X, Avanti West Coast said: "Due to a fault with the signalling system between Birmingham New Street and Crewe, all lines are blocked.
"Trains running through these stations may be cancelled or delayed."
London Northwestern Railway also announced a "complete loss of power" between Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent, with all services between the two stations cancelled.
The company announced that bus services were en route to Stafford and Crewe to operate replacement services between the stations.
A Cross Country Trains spokesperson said: "Due to a total loss of signalling in the Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent area, all services between Birmingham New Street and Manchester Piccadilly in both directions are currently suspended."
Avanti West Coast had urged rail users "do not attempt to travel", with disruption expected until the end of the day.
A spokesperson said: "Departures from London Euston are suspended due to a major fault with the signalling system in the Stafford area. This affects multiple Avanti West Coast routes, including journeys to/from Manchester, Liverpool, Scotland and North Wales.
"Please do not attempt to travel as major disruption is expected until the end of the day.
"If you have an Avanti West Coast ticket dated November 21, you can now use it at no extra cost on November 22, on any Avanti West Coast service via the same route."
An update provided around 5pm by CrossCountry Trains said power had been restored and all lines across the services reopened, but the company warned of residual delays and cancellations due to unit and train crew displacement across the service.
A spokesperson said: "The power has now been restored in the Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent area, meaning all lines have now reopened.
"Services are still subject to delays and cancellations due to unit and train crew displacement."
London Northwestern Railway has also announced that lines have reopened but warned services are still subject to delays and cancellations.
