Northern rail disruption after signalling fault in Bolton

Northern has warned that train services have been cancelled, delayed, or revised after a signalling fault between Salford Crescent and Bolton.

The disruption began on July 15 and is expected to continue until the end of the day, with just hours until England kick off their World Cup semi-final with Argentina at 8pm.

(Image: NQ)

And Three Lions supporters travelling between Bolton and Manchester for the match have been warned disruption will last for hours.

A spokesperson for Northern said: “It is a signalling system that has gone down, we expect it to last for the rest of the day.

“There is nothing running at the moment, no trains between Bolton and Salford Crescent, just keep an eye on our website for updates.”

Network Rail staff are at the scene working to resolve the fault.

Services between Manchester Airport and Blackpool North, Manchester Airport and Barrow or Windermere, Rochdale and Blackburn or Clitheroe, and Southport and Stalybridge are among those affected.

⚠️Due to a fault with the signalling system between Salford Crescent and Bolton fewer trains are able to run on some lines.

🚆Train services running through these stations will be cancelled, delayed or revised.#NorthernUpdateshttps://t.co/6ACO2NDlDH

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— NORTHERN 🚆 (@northernassist) July 15, 2026

Northern added via social media: “You can travel on Transport for Greater Manchester bus services at no extra cost until further notice on the following: V1, V2, 8, 35, 36, 37, 38, 132, 615, 575, 576, 516, 607, 608, 609, and 615.”

Passengers can also use the next available Northern service where possible, while ticket restrictions, including Advance and Peak restrictions, have been lifted in the affected area during the disruption.

Those travelling are advised to check their full journey before setting off, as other train operators may also be affected.