Storm Dudley: Manchester Airport trains disrupted after tree damages wires plus six-mile M60 tailbacks

Storm Dudley has caused disruption on the travel network overnight into this morning, with strong winds continuing to make conditions challenging.

A tree has damaged the overhead electric wires between Manchester Airport and Wilmslow, resulting in all lines being blocked, National Rail said on Thursday morning.

In a statement at 8am, they said replacement buses were on their way to the airport but warned passengers to expect journey times to be about half an hour longer while travelling by bus.

Northern services between Crewe and Liverpool Lime Street will divert via Stockport running express from Manchester Piccadilly to Wilmslow and will not call at Styal, services between Blackpool North and Manchester Airport will be calling additionally at Mauldeth Road, Burnage, East Didsbury and Gatley.

The disruption is expected to last until around 11.30am with passengers asked to check National Rail’s website before making essential journeys.

National Rail is warning of further disruption expected on Friday, with more very strong winds on the way with Storm Eunice.

On the road network, National Highways has reported six miles tailbacks this morning on the M60 clockwise between junction 27 and junction one near Stockport due to a multi-vehicle crash. They confirmed at 8am all lanes had been cleared but that there were still delays of around half an hour while backed up traffic cleared.

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