Trains to Manchester Airport have been affected by the theft of more than £100,000 of electricity cable from the railway line.
Signaling cables were stolen from the railway line between Preston and Bolton on Christmas Eve.
A Network Rail spokesman said all lines between these stations would be closed “for most of the day” while repairs were carried out.
Work is due to be completed by around 18:00 GMT, with limited rail replacement buses running from Blackpool and central Manchester to the airport.
Fewer trains will also run between Blackpool North and Preston, with limited rail replacement buses running in both directions.
Other affected services include Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport in both directions, with fewer trains running and limited rail replacement buses running.
A Network Rail spokesman said the first trains to be able to call at all stations would be the 17:51 GMT Blackpool North to Manchester Airport and the 18:45 Manchester Airport to Blackpool North service.
Passengers are also advised that Northern tickets can be used at no extra cost on the Onti West Coast service between Warrington Bank Quay and the Oxenholme Lake District and on the TransPennine Express service between Manchester stations and Preston.
Network Rail said it was working with police to find the thieves.
The line closures come as Northern services in the North West are expected to be significantly affected by train staff shortages.
Network Rail is electrifying the line between Wigan and Bolton from 2022.
The stolen cable provided power to overhead line equipment, which then drove electric trains across the tracks.
“I am very sorry for the passengers who will be affected by the rail closures,” said Christian Irwin, Capital Delivery Director at Network Rail.
“We are working closely with British Transport Police to provide additional security measures and to trace and prosecute those responsible.”