"Signalling problem at Longton" - two days!?

[OuterDistant]

According to NRE, buses have been replacing trains between Uttoxeter and Stoke since Friday evening due to a signalling problem at Longton.

A signalling problem is causing disruption between Longton and Stoke-on-Trent.
Because of this, the following changes will apply until further notice.

• No East Midlands Trains services will run between Uttoxeter and Crewe
• Buses are replacing trains between Uttoxeter and Stoke-on-Trent
• London Midland services should be used between Stoke-on-Trent and Crewe (these services will call additionally at Longport)
• Journey times are being extended by up to 45 minutes

Is anyone able to expand on it? Two days seems a very long time for a problem at such a tiny box, unless something has gone wrong at Stoke Junction.

 

[bunnahabhain]

The problem I know is at Foley Crossing. I don't know what that problem is however! Emergency engineering works are taking place today, so ontop of engineering works between North Staffs. Jn. and Tutbury & Hatton, nothing can run between Derby and Stoke, so EMT are bussing passengers between the two.

 

[mafrere]

It does seem a long time. Buses are fine except they never go to Blythe Bridge. With the flooding at Uttoxeter that seems to happen frequently and now this, getting from Stoke-on-Trent to Blythe bridge by train is becoming very hit or miss!

 

[Kt]

To answer your question, complete loss of power supply in the Foley Level Crossing area... It appears quite a few location cabinets were completely dead.

The issue seems to have been resolved this afternoon with the cause being down to rodent damaged cables.

 

[mafrere]

East Midlands Trains have said at 7.30 pm they 'don't know how services will be affected that far in advance' in reply to a question as to whether the Stoke to Derby train will be running in the morning.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I was also told earlier on today that the problem was because of the heavy snow.

 

[tsr]

It does seem a long time. Buses are fine except they never go to Blythe Bridge. With the flooding at Uttoxeter that seems to happen frequently and now this, getting from Stoke-on-Trent to Blythe bridge by train is becoming very hit or miss!

I am able to confirm that buses were running via Blythe Bridge today, although I am not sure how often. I assume the number and frequency of calls would have been proportional to a normal Sunday service!

 

[Mugby]

I wonder if the rodents came from the Pizza Hut next door to Foley Box!

 

[OuterDistant]

Thanks all - looks like they're running today and coping pretty well with the snow, compared to the other services through SOT.