A signalling fault in the Kings Norton area is significantly affecting the West Midlands rail network, leading to major delays and cancellations. Passengers traveling between Birmingham New Street and various destinations are experiencing disruptions.
Kings Norton Signal Fault Impacts Rail Services
Trains to Redditch, Bromsgrove, and Cheltenham Spa are particularly affected. Delays can reach up to 30 minutes as revised timetables are implemented. Affected services include:
- CrossCountry: Nottingham to Cardiff Central
- West Midlands Railway: Birmingham New Street to Worcester Shrub Hill
- West Midlands Railway: Birmingham New Street to Lichfield Trent Valley
- West Midlands Railway: Four Oaks to Redditch
Advice for Passengers
Disruptions are expected to persist throughout the day. CrossCountry has advised that some services may be diverted via Kidderminster, bypassing University station. Meanwhile, West Midlands Railway urges passengers to avoid travel, as their services to Redditch and Bromsgrove cannot operate in either direction.
For those who have driven to affected stations, rail tickets remain valid later in the day for return journeys to collect vehicles. Temporary rail replacement services are available:
- Between Longbridge and Bromsgrove/Redditch
- Between Bromsgrove and Worcester Foregate Street
Alternative Travel Options
Passengers are advised that replacement vehicles may be more crowded than usual, so it’s wise to allow additional time. CrossCountry has provided options for using tickets at no extra cost on alternate services:
- Great Western Railway: Worcester Foregate Street to Worcestershire Parkway
- Great Western Railway: Cardiff Central to Bristol Parkway
- Great Western Railway: Exeter St Davids to Paignton
- TransPennine Express services on reasonable routes
Always verify changes with your operator before embarking on your journey, as plans may change at short notice.
