East Coast Main Line: 'do not travel' warning to passengers after damage to overhead cables
Operators say the knock-on effect has been felt across their networks today, with dozens of services either cancelled or altered
Last updated 10th Dec 2023
If you're planning on travelling on the East Coast Main Line today - the message by operators is to delay your journey, with services severely disrupted.
That includes services with LNER and Lumo, following what's been called 'severe damage' to overhead cables between Peterborough and Grantham yesterday, with engineers now working to restore services.
Operators say the knock-on effect has been felt across their networks today, with dozens of services either cancelled or altered - and are urging anyone with a ticket to either use it on Monday or Tuesday (11 or 12 December), or apply to them for a refund.
It's causing disruption further afield, too, with Newcastle fans hoping to head to the game against Tottenham Hotspur having to find other ways of getting there.
One glance on the LNER website shows more than 50 services impacted with the operator alone - however, it's been made clear by National Rail Enquiries that replacement bus services are not being put on to replace these trains.
On X, they replied to one stranded customer, and advised: "I'm afraid there aren't currently any rail replacement services available.
"I would recommend speaking to station staff as they should be able to assist with potential alternatives."
LNER have confirmed passengers can use your ticket on the following train operating companies at no extra cost:
- Transpennine Express between Manchester, Leeds and York/Newcastle
- East Midlands Railway between London St Pancras, Leicester and Sheffield
- CrossCountry between Sheffield and Doncaster/Leeds
- Northern via any reasonable route
- Avanti West Coast between London Euston, Glasgow and Edinburgh
Low-cost operator Lumo have also confirmed:
- Passengers can travel with LNER between Newcastle and Grantham at no extra cost today
- Lumo tickets can also be used between 10th-15th December due to the disruption this weekend
In a statement on their website, LNER said: "Due to severe damage to overhead lines between Peterborough and Grantham yesterday, customers are advised not to travel today, Sunday 10 December.
"The lines remain blocked today, Sunday 10 December, between Peterborough and Grantham to allow repairs to be made to the overhead line, Sunday 10 December.
"Customers with tickets dated 9 or 10 December 2023 can use their tickets for travel on 11 or 12 December. Alternatively, you are able to obtain a refund from the point of purchase.
"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to your journey today."