Key Points
- · Train services between Blackburn and Bolton were disrupted due to flooding near Darwen on Saturday, 20 September 2025.
- · Flooding caused all lines between the two stations to be blocked, leading to cancellations and replacement bus services.
- · Disruption began around 5:56 pm on 20 September and was cleared by 1:16 am on 21 September 2025.
- · Normal train services resumed early Sunday morning on 21 September 2025.
- · Passengers were advised to check updates on Northern Railway’s service updates and use alternative routes where necessary.
- · Safety inspections near Darwen caused some additional cancellations even after the flooding was cleared.
- · Engineering works scheduled for later in the week were unaffected by this incident but added to ongoing disruptions on nearby routes.
What Happened to Train Services Between Blackburn and Bolton Due to Flooding?
As reported by The Bolton News journalist Tom Smith, train services running between Blackburn and Bolton were interrupted due to severe flooding during the evening of Saturday, 20 September 2025. The flooding occurred near Darwen, causing all rail lines between the stations to be blocked, halting all train services on this route for several hours.
According to official updates from Northern Railway, the incident was first reported at 17:56 BST on Saturday, and the flooding required full closure of the line. Northern Railway confirmed that all trains between Bolton and Blackburn were cancelled due to the obstruction, and replacement bus services were arranged to assist passengers in completing their journeys.
When Did Train Services Resume Between Blackburn and Bolton?
Northern Railway’s service update stated that the flood waters receded and the incident was officially cleared by 01:16 BST on Sunday, 21 September 2025. Following necessary safety inspections and track checks, normal train operations resumed early Sunday morning.
Passengers travelling on Sunday were advised to check live updates and announcements from Northern Railway, which continues to monitor rail conditions closely following the disruption caused by the flooding at Darwen. However, despite the reopening of the lines, some minor service cancellations occurred due to ongoing safety inspections in the affected area. For example, the 08:48 Blackburn to Manchester Victoria train was cancelled on Sunday morning as a precautionary measure, as noted in Northern Railway’s communications.
What Advice Was Given to Passengers During the Disruption?
Northern Railway and National Rail issued comprehensive advice urging passengers to check for real-time travel information, as impacted services were replaced with bus arrangements and alternative travel options.
Passengers holding tickets for cancelled trains were advised that they could travel on any Northern, TransPennine Express, or East Midlands Railway service within two hours before or after their scheduled departure time without additional charges. This policy aimed to reduce inconvenience for travellers affected by the flooding disruption.
Communication channels such as Northern Railway’s Twitter account (@northernassist) were actively used to share live updates and passenger guidance throughout the period of disruption.
How Did The Flooding Affect The Surrounding Railway Infrastructure and Services?
The flooding near Darwen was significant enough to cause a total blockage of lines between Bolton and Blackburn, indicating the severity of weather conditions in the area. Such flooding incidents are relatively uncommon but have increasing prevalence due to changing weather patterns.
Northern Railway noted that the disruption was isolated to the flooding event, with no immediate structural damage reported to the railway infrastructure. Services resumed promptly after the water cleared and safety assessments were completed.
Furthermore, engineering works scheduled for the week between Preston and Blackburn, unrelated to the flooding event, were set to continue from Monday 22 September through to Friday 26 September 2025. These works are expected to cause additional service modifications on nearby routes but did not impact the flooding recovery efforts.
What Are the Broader Transport Implications of This Flooding?
The flooding had a knock-on effect on rail passengers, particularly commuters and travellers relying on the Bolton to Blackburn route. Temporary service cancellations and bus replacements extended journey times and required greater travel planning.
Such incidents highlight the vulnerability of transport infrastructure to extreme weather events and underline the importance of efficient contingency planning by railway operators.
The swift clearance of the lines and restoration of services by Northern Railway was met with relief by passengers and local stakeholders. It demonstrates the resilience and responsiveness of rail operators in managing unexpected disruptions due to natural causes.
What Statements Were Made by Railway Officials and Local Authorities?
The Bolton News quoted a Northern Railway spokesperson who stated: "We apologise for the inconvenience caused by the flooding between Bolton and Blackburn. Our teams worked overnight to clear the lines and ensure safety checks were completed before services resumed. Customer safety and communication remain our top priority."