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Friday 6 Dec 2024

Changes to journeys through Atherstone due to emergency railway repairs

Region & Route:

North West & Central

Passengers travelling to or from Atherstone station are being advised about disruption to southbound journeys while rail engineers plan repairs to damaged overhead line equipment.

One of four railway tracks through Polesworth, between Tamworth and Nuneaton on the West Coast Main Line, was closed to trains on Thursday (5 December) after engineers found damage to an overhead line equipment structure during a routine inspection of the railway.

The disruption means that trains running southbound towards London are unable to call at Atherstone station until further notice. To keep passengers moving, London Northwestern Railway is running a replacement bus service between Tamworth, Atherstone and Nuneaton. Northbound trains are still able to call at Atherstone and fast services on the West Coast Main Line will continue to run in both directions.

To keep passengers safe, trains will run at slower speeds through the area and the affected section of track will remain closed until repairs have been completed.

The first phase of the repair will involve installing metal propping next to the damaged overhead line structure, which is planned to take place over the weekend, subject to weather conditions. Once the structure has been successfully propped, rail engineers will plan a permanent repair in Polesworth.

Gary Walsh, director of Network Rail’s West Coast South route, said: “I’m sorry to passengers affected by a defect with our overhead line equipment between Nuneaton and Tamworth, and in particular to those who are having to use rail replacement buses at Atherstone station.

“Our engineers are working as quickly as possible to plan repairs so that we can safely reopen the affected section of track. I want to urge passengers to check www.nationalrail.co.uk for the latest travel information.”

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for London Northwestern Railway said: “We are sorry to passengers at Atherstone who are temporarily impacted by cancellations as a result of this issue. We are working closely with Network Rail as their teams carry out repairs as quickly as possible.

"Northbound trains are continuing to call at Atherstone as normal but for passengers travelling south, rail replacement buses are in operation to connect customers to nearby alternative stations.”

The Met Office has issued weather warnings for strong winds and rain across the country over the weekend so rail passengers are being advised to take extra care and plan their journeys in advance. People should check before they travel with National Rail Enquiries.