Rail disruption between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton - delays expected until the end of today due to 'damaged overhead wires'

A rescue train and a broken down service were both stuck between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton this morning due to damaged overheard wires, blocking the line and causing disruption to services.

Both trains have now moved and are no longer blocking the lines, however disruption has continued into the evening.

West Midlands Railway reported the issues at 4.48pm, saying that services are suspended between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton.

As of 7.33pm, the West Midlands Railway website reported that 'fewer' trains are now running on the line, with delays expected until the end of today. 

A West Midlands Railway spokesperson said: "Due to damage to the overhead electric wires at Birmingham New Street, fewer trains are able to run on the line towards Wolverhampton.

"Train services through this station may be subject to disruption on all routes.

"Disruption is expected until the end of today."

Lines to Coventry via Birmingham International, Cross City, Hereford via Worcester, Shrewsbury via Telford, and Walsall are also affected, with delays to travel being reported on all.

West Midlands Railway reported that ticket acceptance is in place for National Express West Midlands services. 

Earlier today National Rail said: "Safety checks are being carried out to assess if there is damage to the overhead electric wires in the Birmingham area. 

"Until these have been completed, trains running between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton may be delayed, cancelled or diverted via an alternative route.

"Disruption is expected to continue until the end of the day."

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."

For CrossCountry customers National Rail says: "Trains may divert via an alternative route to continue their journey. Where this occurs, these services will not call at Wolverhampton.

"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."

No West Midlands Railway services will run between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton via Sandwell & Dudley.

Some trains 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.