West Coast Main Line disrupton ahead as works continue

The upgrades form part of Network Rail’s ongoing investment in the West Coast Main Line, a major route connecting London to cities including Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.

Recent work carried out over the Easter weekend saw significant progress along the northern section of the line, with improvements completed between Preston and Oxenholme.

Now, further work is set to take place this month.

Christian Irwin OBE, Network Rail North West and Central region Capital Delivery director, said: "I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we’ve been carrying out these major railway upgrades to improve journeys in the North West this Easter.

"Despite Storm Dave, we were able to use the extended bank holiday to get started with some really important projects as part of our significant upgrade plan to the West Coast Main Line.

"These will continue again for 8 days from next weekend where we’ll be renewing the overhead lines which provide power to trains between Preston, Lancaster and Fylde.

"Please plan ahead at National Rail Enquiries so you know exactly what to expect from your journey."

Work completed over the Easter weekend included the installation of new structures and posts for modern LED signal lamps at Carnforth station, alongside upgrades to overhead power lines in Lancashire.

Elsewhere, drainage improvements were made on the Great Rocks freight line in the Peak District to prevent flooding in a key tunnel.

Despite challenging weather conditions brought by Storm Dave, including gale force winds and heavy rain, teams from Network Rail and its supply chain were able to complete the scheduled works.

Passengers are now being advised to prepare for further disruption as the northern section of the West Coast Main Line will close again for additional upgrades.

This closure, affecting the line between Preston, Lancaster and Fylde, will begin on Saturday, April 11, and continue for eight days until Sunday, April 19.

Network Rail has worked with train operators to minimise disruption, keeping passengers on trains for the majority of their journeys where possible.

During the closure, Avanti West Coast services will be diverted via the Settle and Carlisle line.

Replacement bus services and limited train services will also be in operation, and passengers are urged to plan ahead by checking the latest travel information at www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Work is also ongoing on the southern section of the West Coast Main Line between London Euston and Milton Keynes.

This includes £8.4 million of track renewal in Willesden, a £6.6 million bridge project in Ledburn, and more than £8 million of investment in overhead line equipment near Wembley.

Station improvements are also underway at Harrow and Wealdstone and Apsley.

Passengers travelling north of the border are also being reminded of further work taking place in Scotland.

From April 3 to 8, and again from April 11 to 20, reliability improvements worth £3.5 million will be carried out on the West Coast Main Line in South Lanarkshire and Dumfries and Galloway and further south.

These works will affect services between Glasgow and London Euston.

Network Rail is urging all passengers to check before they travel and allow extra time for their journeys during the planned works.

Further updates and travel advice are available at www.nationalrail.co.uk.