Avanti Diverts Services via Settle–Carlisle During Major WCML Closure
Avanti West Coast has begun operating passenger services over the Settle to Carlisle railway as part of a temporary plan to maintain rail links across the North West during a major infrastructure closure. The move coincides with a two-week blockade of the West Coast Main Line between Preston and Carlisle.
The first train to take the diversion departed Wigan for Carlisle at 07.54 on 1 January 2026, marking the return of an intercity passenger service to the 73-mile route for the first time in more than a decade. The line, best known for its dramatic scenery and historic engineering, is being used until 15 January.
The diversion is required while Network Rail replaces Clifton Bridge, which carries the railway over the M6 motorway near Penrith. The work has closed the West Coast Main Line through the area, prompting the use of alternative routes to keep long-distance passengers travelling by rail.
During the closure, Avanti West Coast is running a non-stop shuttle roughly every two hours using its Class 805 Evero bi-mode trains. With no overhead electric wires on the Settle to Carlisle line, the fleet is operating in diesel mode for this section of the journey.
The operator said the services are the result of extensive coordination with Network Rail and other parts of the rail industry, aimed at reducing the need for long replacement bus journeys. The Class 805 fleet, introduced in June 2024, is normally used on routes serving North Wales, the West Midlands and Blackpool, and its temporary redeployment means some timetable changes on those routes.
Customers are being advised to check travel arrangements before setting out during the two-week period, particularly where services have been altered to accommodate the diversion.
Andy Mellors, Managing Director at Avanti West Coast, said:
“We are running services on the Settle to Carlisle route to keep customers moving by train across the North West, and give them the best travelling experience possible. Today marks the conclusion of months of extensive planning alongside Network Rail and other operators, and I am delighted to see these services come into fruition to keep the North West open for rail travel during these planning engineering works.”
Network Rail said the bridge replacement is a long-term investment in the reliability of the route. Phil James, Network Rail’s North West Route Director, said:
“The replacement of Clifton bridge over the M6 near Penrith is a crucial piece of railway work that will mean safer and more reliable journeys for passengers for the next 120 years. During this essential closure of the West Coast Main Line, we’ve worked with Avanti West Coast to divert services via the iconic Settle to Carlisle line, which gives passengers the option to continue to travel by rail wherever possible. I’d like to thank passengers for their patience during this work.”
Operational details will change during the blockade. Until 5 January, an additional closure south of Preston means diverted trains are running between Wigan North Western and Carlisle only. From then until the end of the works, services will operate to and from Preston.
Some diverted services will extend to and from Crewe and the West Midlands, and passengers are being urged to plan ahead. Those travelling between Birmingham, Manchester or London and destinations such as Carlisle or Scotland are advised to use the East Coast Main Line with other operators, while rail replacement buses will operate for Lancaster, Oxenholme and Penrith.
Image: Avanti West Coast