Dozens of trains have been suspended following a points failure between Manchester Piccadilly and Crewe.
The delays are being caused by a points failure near Cheadle Hulme.
Disruption is expected until at least midday.
Avanti West Coast, Northern and Transport for Wales Southbound have all suspended services between Stockport and Wilmslow.
There is a replacement bus service running on Northern due to a points failure at Cheadle Hulme.
Southbound trains between Manchester and Crewe are being diverted via Styal.
Northbound trains are running normally and trains heading towards Stoke-on-Trent are unaffected.
Travellers are being advised to expect delays.
Northern said on its website: “Staff are on site attempting to rectify the issue but as of yet cannot give an estimate for the resumption of train running.
“Services from Manchester towards Crewe/Alderley Edge will be diverted and will not call at Levenshulme, Heaton Chapel, Stockport, Cheadle Hulme and Handforth.
“The line from Manchester to Stoke is not affected but may still be subject to short notice delays and cancellations in order to carry out repairs.
“The only station NOT served is Handforth. Services from Crewe will operate as normal.”
Rail replacement coaches are being used.
Customers are being asked to check for updates from the train operator before travelling.
