COMMUTERS faced travel chaos on East Lancashire’s rail network yesterday after 20 trains were cancelled when engineering works overran.

Rail bosses said a crane, being used for track replacement work at Daisyfield Junction, in Blackburn, developed a fault.

The works were due to be completed on Sunday evening, in time for yesterday’s rush hour.

But Network Rail said a replacement crane had to be drafted in to complete the operation.

This resulted in trains along the main East Lancashire line, and the Blackburn to Clitheroe line, being affected.

Replacement buses were in operation for all services between Blackburn and Colne, Blackburn and Burnley Manchester Road, and Blackburn and Clitheroe.

Services from Burnley Manchester Road to Hebden Bridge are also subject to bus replacements.

This is due to work to strengthen the Holme Tunnel, in Cliviger, which will continue in to the New Year.

Yesterday’s work was completed shortly after 10am, and a reduced service began to operate from around 11am.

A full service resumed at around 1pm.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “Engineering works were taking place in the Daisyfield Junction area of Blackburn on Sunday.

“A fault developed with a crane involved with carrying out this work, so a replacement was arranged.

“Unfortunately, this meant that work required to ensure the line could safely open ran over in to yesterday.”

A Northern Rail spokesman said: “We understand how frustrating this disruption can be and we’re sorry for the inconvenience this will cause.”

Rail services were affected from the first Blackburn to Colne train at 5.04am.