A signal fault in the Kings Norton area is creating significant disruptions within the West Midlands rail network. Various train routes are experiencing severe delays, cancellations, and timetable alterations.
Impacted Services
The following services are particularly affected:
- Trains between Birmingham New Street and:
- Redditch
- Bromsgrove
- Cheltenham Spa
- CrossCountry services from Nottingham to Cardiff Central
- West Midlands Railway routes to Worcester Shrub Hill, Hereford, and Lichfield Trent Valley
- Routes between Four Oaks and Redditch
Current Disruption Status
Delays of up to 30 minutes are reported. Disruptions are expected to persist until midday on Wednesday, November 12th. CrossCountry has indicated that some services might be diverted via Kidderminster, omitting University station on that route.
Travel Advisory
West Midlands Railway has strongly recommended that passengers refrain from traveling due to the inability to run services in either direction between Birmingham New Street and its destinations. Passengers who drove to affected stations can utilize their rail tickets later for the return trip.
Rail Replacement Services
Rail replacement services are operational between:
- Longbridge and Bromsgrove/Redditch
- Bromsgrove and Worcester Foregate Street
Passengers should expect replacement vehicles to be busier than usual and are encouraged to allocate extra time for their journeys.
Alternative Travel Options
CrossCountry has provided alternative routes, reminding passengers that their tickets are valid without extra charges on the following services:
- Great Western Railway services:
- Between Worcester Foregate Street and Worcestershire Parkway/Bristol Temple Meads
- Between Cardiff Central and Bristol Parkway
- Between Exeter St Davids and Paignton
- Between Bristol Temple Meads and Plymouth
- Between Reading and Bristol Temple Meads
- Transport for Wales services between Cheltenham Spa and Cardiff Central
- West Midlands Railway services between Birmingham Moor Street and Worcester Foregate Street
- Northern services via any reasonable route
- TransPennine Express services via any reasonable route
Due to the fluid nature of these disruptions, passengers are advised to check directly with their train operators for the latest updates before planning their travel.
