Rail services through Bolton have returned to normal following a week of significant travel disruption caused by severe weather and planned engineering work. According to the latest update from National Rail, all major incidents affecting the network have now been cleared as of 30 March 2026.
The local rail network faced a difficult week beginning on 23 March, as heavy rain caused flooding that blocked lines between Bolton and Blackburn, as well as between Skipton and Lancaster. These weather issues were compounded on 25 March when strong winds brought down trees near Lostock, damaging overhead electrical lines and blocking all routes between Bolton and Preston. A second incident involving a fallen tree on 26 March further disrupted travel, leading Network Rail to pause services on several major routes, including those operated by Northern and TransPennine Express.
In addition to the weather-related damage, passengers experienced longer travel times throughout the week due to pre-planned engineering work between Manchester Victoria/Deansgate and Liverpool Lime Street, which required some passengers to use bus replacements. While these major disruptions have concluded, commuters are encouraged to remain aware that minor engineering works may still result in some amended services in the Manchester area.
Passengers who were delayed by 15 minutes or more during the week of disruptions may be eligible for compensation. Claims can be submitted through the Northern Delay Repay scheme for delays caused by Northern services, or through TransPennine Express’s Delay Repay scheme for delays caused by TransPennine Express services, provided they are made within 28 days of the journey.
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