Passengers travelling on the West Coast main line and North West rail routes are being advised to check before they travel ahead of multi-million pound railway upgrades over the early May bank holiday.

Network Rail is carrying out major projects between Saturday 29 April and Monday 1 May to improve the region’s railway for passengers and freight which includes track upgrades at Caldew in Cumbria

For the work to take place some sections of the West Coast main line will be closed during Sunday 30 April or Monday 1 May, between Lancaster and Carlisle and on the Lakes line between Oxenholme and Windermere.

During the work people could have to change trains, have longer journeys, services will be busier, and in some cases travellers will need to use rail replacement buses.

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Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director, said: “We made great progress on major railway improvements over Easter and I’d like to thank passengers for their continued patience while we carry out more must-do work between Saturday 29 April and Monday 2 May.

"We know there is never an ideal time to shut the railway, but bank holidays continue to be the least disruptive time for us to carry out this essential maintenance.

“With sections of railway needing to close for our important work, please check National Rail Enquiries in advance to see how your journey could be impacted.”