Key Points
- No trains can get through between Preston and Wigan North Western while the issue on the line is sorted out.
- The disruption affects train services from Avanti West Coast passing through those stations.
- National Rail anticipates there will be significant disruption until around 9.30am, based on reporting by Ground News.
- This comes after an emergency services issue at Leyland station, where reports say someone was hit on the track.
- Train services from Preston to Wigan have been impacted, including the Avanti West Coast services going to Carlisle and London.
- Passengers are encouraged to look for information on National Rail and from operators prior to traveling.
Wigan (Manchester Mirror) October 16, 2026 — All railway lines between Preston and Wigan North Western have been blocked while Avanti West Coast investigates a problem on the route, causing disruption to train services running through the two stations.
As reported by the Lancashire Evening Post, the operator said: “Due to a problem currently under investigation between Preston and Wigan North Western, all lines are blocked.” The same notice was also carried by the Chorley Guardian.
The closure affects services travelling through Preston and Wigan North Western, two key stops on the West Coast Main Line corridor. National Rail information cited by Ground News said disruption was expected until around 9.30am.
Why are trains stopped between Preston and Wigan North Western?
The immediate cause described by Avanti West Coast was a problem under investigation between Preston and Wigan North Western. The operator did not provide further detail in the notice reported by the Lancashire Evening Post.
Separate reporting by Ground News said the route had been closed after an emergency services incident at Leyland station, and that a person had been struck on the line. Ground News reported that National Rail warned of “major disruption” until later that morning.
The reports should be treated separately: Avanti West Coast’s public message referred to an investigation into a problem on the route, while Ground News attributed the closure to an emergency incident near Leyland.
Which services are affected?
Avanti West Coast services running through Preston and Wigan North Western are affected. Ground News reported that the blockage affected Avanti services to Carlisle and London, with rail services suspended between Wigan and Preston.
The route is used by long-distance and regional services, meaning passengers travelling between Lancashire, Cumbria, the North West and London could face cancellations, delays or revised journeys. Ground News reported that Cumbria rail passengers faced cancellations and delays as a result of the closure.
What has Avanti West Coast said?
As reported by the Lancashire Evening Post, Avanti West Coast stated: “Due to a problem currently under investigation between Preston and Wigan North Western, all lines are blocked.”
The operator’s message also indicated that train services running through the affected stations would be disrupted. No estimated reopening time was included in the wording quoted by the Lancashire Evening Post.
What did National Rail say?
Ground News reported that National Rail expected major disruption until about 9.30am after emergency services closed the route. The same report said all lines had been closed near Leyland.
National Rail’s advisory, as summarised by Ground News, warned passengers of major disruption during the morning. Passengers were advised to check live travel information before setting out.
What should passengers do?
Passengers planning to travel between Preston, Leyland and Wigan North Western should check National Rail Enquiries, Avanti West Coast and their train operator before departure.
Those with tickets for affected Avanti West Coast services should look for updates on cancellations, diversions or replacement arrangements. Ground News reported that services to Carlisle and London were among those affected.
Background of the development
The Preston to Wigan North Western section is a significant part of the rail network connecting Lancashire with the West Coast Main Line. It carries services linking Preston with Wigan, and onward destinations including London Euston, Carlisle, Scotland and the North West.
National Rail records show that this corridor has previously experienced closures because of emergency incidents, signalling faults and objects on the line. In April 2026, National Rail reported that disruption between Preston and Wigan North Western ended after emergency services dealt with an incident. In June 2026, it also reported that services returned to normal after emergency services completed work between the two stations.
In a separate incident in April 2026, National Rail said an object caught on overhead line equipment between Wigan North Western and Preston had blocked services before the route reopened. These earlier events show that closures on this section can affect multiple operators and long-distance journeys, although each incident has its own cause and duration.
Prediction: How will this affect passengers?
The closure is likely to cause the greatest inconvenience for morning commuters, long-distance travellers and passengers connecting at Preston or Wigan North Western. Those travelling towards London, Carlisle or Scotland may need to allow extra time, accept revised routes, or wait for updated departure information.
If the line reopens around the time indicated by National Rail, disruption may continue after services resume because trains and crews can be out of position. Passengers should therefore expect residual delays even after the blockage is lifted.
For local passengers between Preston, Leyland and Wigan, the immediate impact is likely to be cancelled or delayed services. Travellers should monitor official updates throughout the morning rather than relying only on journey-planning apps, as operators may revise calling patterns or ticket acceptance arrangements while the investigation continues.
