Commuters in Greater Manchester are facing a chaotic morning due to a burst water main, causing significant disruptions to train services. The incident has led to the cancellation of trains at Daisy Hill station in Westhoughton, near Bolton, affecting several stations along the route. This includes Hag Fold, Atherton, Walkden, Moorside, and Swinton, with services between Salford Crescent and Wigan Wallgate also impacted.
The burst water main has caused flooding, leading to road closures and further complications. United Utilities has confirmed that residents in the surrounding area are experiencing water pressure issues, with the problem affecting homes in the BL5 and BL6 postcode areas. The company is working to resolve the issue, and their fleet of water tankers is pumping water into the pipework to restore supplies.
National Rail has provided updates, stating that all lines are blocked through Daisy Hill station, and trains are unable to run between Wigan Wallgate and Salford Crescent via Atherton. Services are being diverted via Bolton, and rail replacement buses are in operation. However, these buses are not able to call at Daisy Hill, causing further inconvenience for passengers.
The disruption is expected to last until approximately 1 pm, and the situation is being closely monitored by Network Rail. Commuters are advised to check for updates and plan their journeys accordingly. This incident highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure to natural events and the potential for widespread disruption, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and efficient emergency response systems.
