Train Tracks at Risk: Ice and Snow Threaten North West Rail Travel

Rail passengers across the North West are advised to check before they travel this week as low temperatures and ice will make for difficult travel conditions.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning until Thursday 9 January for the North West and passengers should take extra care and plan their journeys in advance.

Over the next few days temperatures will widely plummet to between -2 and -5 and as low as -10 in some places. There will also be a mix of wintry showers and snow on higher ground.

Teams have been preparing for the weather this week by treating the tracks and station surfaces and have extra teams in place to keep the railway running.

In very cold weather, snow and ice can build up on the tracks blocking points, the equipment that allows trains to move between tracks. 

Overnight, track engineers are applying de-icer to points at locations in Buxton in the Peak District, Longsight in Manchester and Bootle in Merseyside to keep the railway running. In the day, we have extra staff available to monitor points carefully and also treat surfaces at stations to keep passengers safe.

Phil James, Network Rail's North West route director, said: “We've already seen the drop in temperatures impact the railway this week and whilst we plan and prepare, it could mean longer journey times. 

“We are urging passengers to check their journeys before travelling and to take extra care in the freezing conditions.”
Passengers should check with their train operator or on the National Rail website for up-to-date travel advice during the weekend.