Trains through Bolton have been cancelled after an object was "caught on the overhead electric wires" running through the town's main station.
At around 11.45am, Northern warned that services would be delayed or cancelled and the line would be blocked as engineers deal with the issue.
Staff have to isolate power to the lines in order to remove the object so that it does not cause damage to passing trains.
Northern says the line should reopen at around 12.30pm with some services delayed by up to an hour.
A spokesman said: "Passengers are advised to listen for annoucements and check information screens for up dates where possible for your service today.
"Ticket acceptance has been agreed with TransPennine Express between Preston and Manchester stations."
At 1.30pm Northern tweeted to say services had resumed.
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