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Wednesday 31 Aug 2022

Chiltern and CrossCountry passengers to benefit from track upgrades

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: Central

Passengers using the Chiltern main line to travel between Birmingham, Oxford and London will soon benefit from smoother, more reliable journeys.

Network Rail is carrying out major track upgrades at Harbury tunnel between Leamington Spa and Banbury over two weekends in September.

The £600,000 investment will see 550 metres of new track installed on:

• Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September,
• and Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September.

Passengers are being advised that for the track to be replaced some sections of the Chiltern main line will need to close.

To keep people on the move rail replacement buses will be in operation throughout the railway improvements*.

However journeys will take longer and people should plan ahead by checking www.nationalrail.co.uk in advance so they know exactly what to expect during the essential work.

Denise Wetton, Network Rail’s Central route director, said: “These major track improvements to the Chiltern main line will mean better, smoother and more reliable journeys for passengers and freight in future.

“However, replacing track like this means we have no choice but to close sections of railway for old sections to be ripped up and replaced with new. I’d urge anyone planning to travel over the next two weekends in September to please check National Rail Enquiries to plan their journeys. I’d also like to thank passengers in advance for their patience.”

On the Chiltern main line between Birmingham and London, trains will continue to operate between:

• Birmingham Snow Hill and Leamington Spa
• Banbury and London Marylebone

Jacqueline Dey, operations director at Chiltern Railways, said: "We will ensure that customers are well-informed about the short-term impact these significant improvements will have on their journeys, and thank customers in advance for their patience while these vital works take place.

“Network Rail's track improvements on the Chiltern main line will improve customer experience and ensure that our railway is fit for purpose as passenger demand continues to increase post-pandemic."

John Robson, regional director for West Midlands and North West at CrossCountry, said: “This vital investment in the railway infrastructure will enhance our customers’ travel experience and improve reliability. We ask that customers check our website before travelling while the work is carried out and thank them for their patience while this important work takes place.”

Passengers planning to travel are advised to check www.nationalrail.co.uk before making their journey.