Passengers using Stoke-on-Trent station are being advised that lifts remain out of service after extreme weather caused significant damage to key equipment. The disruption affects the lift serving platform 1, which was damaged when heavy rainfall flooded the lift shaft and affected electrical components on Friday 31 October.

Network Rail has confirmed that repairs could take until early 2026 due to the extent of the damage and the limited availability of suitable replacement parts. The prolonged wet weather seen across Staffordshire in recent months has also caused issues elsewhere at the station, including damage to the roof of the Grade II-listed building, which dates back to 1847. Work is already under way to better protect the lift system and secure the long-term future of the station.

To support passengers while the lifts are unavailable, additional staff have been deployed to assist travellers with luggage navigating the subway, and extra taxis are on hand to help customers transfer between platforms 1 and 2 if needed. Network Rail says it is also working to resolve roof leaks in other parts of the station to limit further disruption.

Alistair Bush, senior asset engineer for Network Rail, said:

“We fully appreciate how disruptive to customers it can be whilst the lifts are out-of-order, and the inconvenience it causes to customers travelling through the station. We are doing all we can to minimise the disruption and undertake the work as quickly as possible. These repairs may take some time, but the safety of passengers and staff is our top priority.”

Laura Warwick, Avanti West Coast station manager at Stoke-on-Trent, said:

“We’re working with Network Rail and industry partners to assist those making journeys while these essential repairs to the lift at Stoke-on-Trent station take place, and would like to thank customers in advance for their patience and understanding. As always, our teams will be on hand to help customers travelling to and from Stoke but we strongly recommend customers plan ahead, check before they travel and leave extra time for their journey.”

Passengers are encouraged to check current travel information and plan ahead until full lift access is restored.

Image: Network Rail