Rail disruption between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton as two trains blocking the line due to 'damaged overhead wires'

The line running from Birmingham New Street towards Wolverhampton is blocked this morning as two trains are stuck due to damage to the overhead electric wires.

National Rail says: "A train had broken down between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton this morning. 

"A rescue train arrived at the location to attach to the broken down service, however, this loco has incurred the same fault as the broken down service due to damage of the overhead wires."

The incident will result in trains running between these stations to be delayed by up to 30 minutes, cancelled or diverted via an alternative route.

National Rail says disruption is expected to last until approximately 12:00.

It is affecting multiple train operators, including Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, London Northwestern Railway, Transport for Wales and West Midlands Railway.

National Rail advice for Avanti customers reads: "Trains may divert via an alternative route to continue their journey. Where this occurs, these services will not call at Birmingham New Street.

"If your train is cancelled, your ticket is valid on one of the two Avanti West Coast services immediately before your booked train, or one of the two immediately after."

CrossCountry customers can use their ticket at no extra cost on West Midlands Metro tram services between Wolverhampton station and Grand Central, for Birmingham New Street.

National Rail adds: "Replacement road transport has been requested to run between Wolverhampton and Stafford. You may use these services at no additional cost. Any confirmed coaches will be shown in online journey planners.

"If your CrossCountry train is cancelled, then you can use your ticket on the two CrossCountry services operating before and the two CrossCountry services after your cancelled service."

Some London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway trains rains may be able to divert via an alternative route (via Bescot Stadium). This route takes about 10 to 15 minutes longer than normal.

Trains which are able to divert will not be able to call at Coseley, Tipton, Dudley Port, Sandwell & Dudley, Smethwick Galton Bridge or Smethwick Rolfe Street.