Avanti West Coast train seen on diversion in East Lancashire

Avanti West Coast services operate on the West Coast Main Line (WMCL), the busiest mixed-use rail route in Europe, which passes through the west of the county at Preston, Lancaster, and Carnforth.

Earlier this week, one of the company's newer models, the Evero bi-modal train which can operate either as a diesel or electric unit, was seen on the Settle-Carlisle line having been diverted through East Lancashire.

It is thought the unit was a test train for when the WMCL closes for several periods in 2026 due to a large-scale engineering project.

Real Time Trains, which shows detailed train routes, showed that the train started a depot near Wolverhampton before heading up the WMCL to Preston.

An Avanti West Coast train was seen on the Settle-Carlisle line (Image: Railcam.co.uk) There, the train reversed and headed across onto the East Lancashire Line, usually used by Northern services heading to Leeds and York.

After passing through Blackburn, it branched upwards again, heading through Ramsgreave & Wilpshire, Langho, Whalley, and Clitheroe, before joining the Settle-Carlisle line at Hellifield Junction.

It then travelled up the line, known to be one of the most scenic train routes in the country, and across the famous Ribblehead Viaduct, before continuing onto Carlisle, where it re-joined the WMCL and headed back to the depot.

With timetables for 2026 not yet released, it's currently unclear whether the new trains will be making stops in East Lancashire or simply passing through.

Rail passengers on the northern part of the WMCL are likely to experience disruption throughout 2026 due to a multi-million pound programme of investment on the line, which aims to bring the ageing infrastructure on the line up to modern standards.

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There are likely to be longer periods of closure rather than usual weekend engineering work - the first set to be between December 31 and January 15 to replace a bridge over the line and the M6 in Cumbria.

Further closures are expected to take place between Preston and Scotland throughout the year.

Network Rail said earlier this month: "Rail passengers and motorists are being advised of changes to journeys during the main work in January 2026. Part of the West Coast Main Line will be closed between December 31 and January 15.

"Network Rail is working with train operators on the best possible alternative travel plan for this significant closure and will share more information soon."