Network Rail is keeping people on the move this Easter (2-5 April) while carrying out £31m of upgrades to improve future passenger and freight journeys between London and Scotland.
Government is advising people to minimise travel over the Easter bank holiday due to Covid-19. But for those who do need to use it, the railway is open.
Where possible Network Rail has moved planned work to minimise disruption for passengers needing to travel:
Upgrades at Bletchley over Easter, affecting London to Birmingham journeys, will finish earlier on Easter Sunday to allow more trains to run.
Essential work in North London and Northamptonshire has been brought forward so it is competed before Easter.
Passengers are urged to check www.nationalrail.co.uk before travelling so they know in advance whether their journeys will be affected by the upgrade work on the West Coast main line, Chiltern main line and some rail routes in the Midlands and the North West.
Tim Shoveller, managing director for Network Rail’s North West & Central region, said: “Our work will make the West Coast main line more reliable for our passengers and pave the way for HS2, which will bring much-needed extra railway capacity.
“There is no question such large scale improvements will mean changes for passengers, but we’re working with the industry to minimise disruption to passengers as much as possible.
“Our advice to people is to please check before you travel so none of this comes as a surprise while we carry out this vital work.”
Two of the major projects taking place this Easter are:
- A £12.3m investment to build two new underpasses beneath the Chiltern main line in Bicester
- A £3.5m project to upgrade bridges which carry tracks at Warrington Bank Quay station
Passengers can find out more travel information at www.nationalrail.co.uk/westcoast
Photo credit: Network Rail
