Train Cancellations and Major Delays Hit Milton Keynes Central

People travelling from Milton Keynes Central in Buckinghamshire are facing major disruption on Friday, February 6, 2026, after damage to overhead electric wires on the West Coast Main Line. The fault on the stretch between London Euston and Watford Junction has caused cancellations and long delays for services to and from Milton Keynes.

Network Rail said the 25,000-volt overhead line equipment failed and power was isolated to all four tracks, causing many cancellations and severe delays across a large section of the main line. Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern services have been terminated at Milton Keynes (and in some cases Rugby) or cancelled; passengers were advised to check before travelling. The failure comes five days after London Northwestern Railway was taken into public ownership on February 1, 2026 — an incident observers have described as the first major infrastructure crisis for the newly nationalised service.

National Rail and the operators advised passengers to check journeys and use alternative routes where possible; disruption was expected to last until at least late evening. Some commuters use local buses (for example the X5 or 99) to reach alternative rail lines such as Bedford or Aylesbury during West Coast Main Line outages, but travellers should follow official operator guidance and timetables before making alternative arrangements.

Passengers delayed by 15 minutes or more can claim compensation under Delay Repay (see Avanti West Coast and other operators’ Delay Repay pages for details). Network Rail said engineers are on-site at North Wembley working to repair the overhead wires and restore services.

Travellers should check live updates from Avanti West Coast, London Northwestern Railway (DfT Operator Ltd) and National Rail Enquiries before travelling.