Network Rail is warning that services have been suspended in Lancashire and Cumbria after a freight train derailed on Wednesday afternoon.
It added that engineers are working as fast as possible to ensure the route safe for passengers.
Avanti Trains has issued a ‘do not travel’ notice affecting journeys between Preston and Scotland. Transpennine services are also affected, with disruption is expected for the rest of the day.
Kara Wood, Network Rail’s acting North West Route Strategy Director, said: “We’re sorry to passengers affected by the derailment. We have specialist repair teams on site working as fast as they can to make the railway safe.
“Disruption is expected for the rest of the day, so we’re urging people to plan their journeys and check before they travel with their train operator or National Rail Enquiries.”
Work will take place throughout the day to reopen the line as soon as possible.