(Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
Rail passengers are facing cancellations between Darlington and Middlesbrough after a safety inspection of the track blocked some lines.
National Rail said services are currently unable to run from Darlington towards Middlesbrough, although trains are being affected in both directions.
Services between Bishop Auckland and Saltburn and between Darlington and Saltburn are among those affected, with trains running through the area being cancelled.
The disruption was reported at 1.07pm on Tuesday, September 29, and is expected to continue until 2.30pm.
⚠️Due to a safety inspection of the track between Darlington and Middlesbrough some lines are blocked.https://t.co/6ACO2NDlDH#NorthernUpdates
— NORTHERN 🚆 (@northernassist) September 29, 2026
National Rail said a safety inspection of the track is taking place between Middlesbrough and Darlington, resulting in some lines being blocked.
Northern services between Middlesbrough and Bishop Auckland are affected.
Passengers have been advised to travel on the next available Northern service to their destination where possible.
Tickets are also being accepted on TransPennine Express services between Eaglescliffe and Middlesbrough at no extra cost.
A train at Darlington train station (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
Northern has also lifted ticket restrictions in the affected area, including Advance and Peak restrictions, while the disruption continues.
Restrictions will be reinstated once services return to normal.
Network Rail staff are at the scene carrying out checks.
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Passengers are being urged to check their full journey before travelling as other train operators may also be affected by disruption.
National Rail said passengers who experience delays may be entitled to compensation and should keep their ticket and details of their journey to support any claim.
The incident was last updated at 1.10pm, with disruption expected until 2.30pm.