Lightning Strike Sparked Rush-Hour Rail Chaos in Rochdale
Castleton – 11th September – Commuters faced widespread travel misery on Thursday after a lightning strike damaged a critical signalling system near Rochdale, causing significant delays and cancellations across the regional rail network.
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The incident, which occurred in the Castleton area on Thursday afternoon, came as Greater Manchester was affected by rainfall and thunderstorms. National Rail has warned that the disruption is expected to continue into the evening rush hour, urging passengers to check their journeys before travelling.
The lightning strike is understood to have caused substantial damage to the signalling system, crippling services that run through Castleton railway station. As a result, operator Northern confirmed that trains on the affected line were being forced to run at a reduced speed, creating a knock-on effect across multiple routes.
Services impacted by the signalling failure included several key commuter and inter-city lines. Northern has confirmed the following services were affected:
In response, train operators had been forced to make urgent alterations to their timetables. Northern confirmed that some services were to be revised to start or terminate at Manchester Victoria, and would not run between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale or Todmorden.
Meanwhile, TransPennine Express announced that its trains would not be calling at Castleton station while the repair work is underway.
To mitigate the disruption, replacement bus services were requested to run between Brighouse and Manchester Victoria, calling at all affected stations, including Castleton.
While initial reports suggested the disruption was expected to last until 4 PM, commuters were advised that delays may persist. Passengers are encouraged to check the National Rail Enquiries website or with their train operator for the latest travel information and to allow for significant extra time for their journeys in such circumstances.
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The incident, which occurred in the Castleton area on Thursday afternoon, came as Greater Manchester was affected by rainfall and thunderstorms. National Rail has warned that the disruption is expected to continue into the evening rush hour, urging passengers to check their journeys before travelling.
The lightning strike is understood to have caused substantial damage to the signalling system, crippling services that run through Castleton railway station. As a result, operator Northern confirmed that trains on the affected line were being forced to run at a reduced speed, creating a knock-on effect across multiple routes.
Services impacted by the signalling failure included several key commuter and inter-city lines. Northern has confirmed the following services were affected:
- Chester and Leeds
- Headbolt Lane/Rochdale and Blackburn
- Wigan Wallgate and Todmorden
- Clitheroe and Rochdale
- Manchester Victoria and Leeds
In response, train operators had been forced to make urgent alterations to their timetables. Northern confirmed that some services were to be revised to start or terminate at Manchester Victoria, and would not run between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale or Todmorden.
Meanwhile, TransPennine Express announced that its trains would not be calling at Castleton station while the repair work is underway.
To mitigate the disruption, replacement bus services were requested to run between Brighouse and Manchester Victoria, calling at all affected stations, including Castleton.
While initial reports suggested the disruption was expected to last until 4 PM, commuters were advised that delays may persist. Passengers are encouraged to check the National Rail Enquiries website or with their train operator for the latest travel information and to allow for significant extra time for their journeys in such circumstances.
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