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Thursday 9 Oct 2025

Plan ahead: Engineering work across Scotland’s railway this Christmas

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Rail passengers are being encouraged to plan ahead for journeys over the 2025-26 festive period, with essential engineering work set to take place across Scotland’s railway. 

Every year, repairs and improvements are scheduled across the network over Christmas and New Year when passenger numbers are typically lower, allowing engineers to carry out upgrades while minimising disruption.  

This year, multiple projects will take place between Christmas Eve and mid-January including in and around Glasgow and on the West Coast Main Line. 

The work is part of Network Rail’s commitment to improving reliability, safety and journeys for passengers.  

Some routes will be impacted by temporary service changes including bus replacements and revised timetables. Passengers are advised to check their journey in advance with their train operator and allow extra time where needed.  

Planned engineering activity this festive period includes: 

• The installation of a new railway bridge at Bowling in West Dunbartonshire means no trains between Dalmuir and Balloch/Helensburgh Central, or between Glasgow Queen Street and Crianlarich, 24 December - 2 January. 
  
  
• Track upgrades in the Motherwell area mean no trains will run between Motherwell and Cumbernauld via Whifflet, Bellshill and Motherwell, or between Kirkwood and Whifflet, 24 December – 2 January. 
  
  
• Replacing a 1960s bridge over M6 the motorway will affect Glasgow to London Euston services with no trains between Preston and Carlisle, 31 December- 15 January 
  
  
• Replacing a worn-out junction at Hanslope on the West Coast Main Line will affect Glasgow to London Euston services with no trains between Milton Keynes and Rugby between Christmas Day and 5 January. 

Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland said: “We know Christmas is a special and busy time for many people, and we want to help everyone travel with confidence over the festive period. If you’re planning a journey, please check your travel plans in advance and allow a little extra time. 

“These upgrades are essential to keep the railway safe and reliable for the future, and I want to say thank you to everyone who will be working through Christmas and new year to make these improvements happen. Their dedication behind the scenes is what keeps the railway moving.”  

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “When Network Rail undertakes vital improvement work, our focus is on making sure customers can continue travel with confidence. 

“The improvements being made between Dalmuir and Crianlarich, and in the Motherwell area, in December will mean some changes to our customers’ journeys, but we’ll be providing reliable alternative transport and clear information to keep people moving. 

“We know this work may cause some inconvenience during the festive period, but it’s vital to maintaining and improving the reliability of the railway. We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding, and we’d encourage everyone to check their journeys in advance.” 

A range of other essential engineering works will be carried out during periods when trains are not running. This approach allows Network Rail to make best use of the quieter festive period to maintain and upgrade the railway with minimal impact to passengers. 

Passengers are encouraged to check with their train operator or nationalrail.co.uk before travelling and follow @NetworkRailSCOT on X for the latest updates.