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Tuesday 2 Mar 2021

Railway track repairs divert trains on West Coast main line

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: West Coast Mainline South

Passengers making essential journeys are being advised to check before travelling as railway engineers work to fix a track fault near Milton Keynes.

A routine Network Rail inspection on Sunday 28 February found that a piece of rail at a railway junction was damaged.

A crossing – the rails which allow trains to cross between tracks – now needs to be fixed on the West Coast main line near Wolverton.

Because crossings are complex moving sections of track, this repair can only be done when no trains are running.

The fix will take place overnight between Saturday 6 and Sunday 8 March.

James Dean, Network Rail’s West Coast South route director, said: “We’re sorry to passengers being impacted by the track fault north of Wolverton. Crossings are heavily used pieces of track and are complex to repair.

“Teams of engineers are preparing to replace the crossing when trains aren't running this weekend. In the meantime, I’d urge anyone travelling to check National Rail Enquiries or with London Northwestern Railway for the latest travel information.”

Until the crossing is repaired northbound London Northwestern Railway services can't serve Wolverton station.

To keep passengers moving a rail replacement shuttle is operating between Milton Keynes Central, Wolverton & Northampton.

Passengers are being advised to use the rail replacement transport or to start their journeys from Milton Keynes while the repairs are ongoing.

It also means slightly longer journeys for passengers travelling northbound, with services being diverted via Milton Keynes.

Lawrence Bowman, customer experience director for London Northwestern Railway, said: “We thank our customers making essential journeys this week for their patience while Network Rail works to repair the damage to the railway.

“Passengers requiring northbound services from Wolverton are advised to consider travelling from Milton Keynes Central if possible, or to make use of rail replacement transport.”

The repairs to the railway crossing are expected to be complete this weekend.

Passengers making essential journeys are being advised to check www.nationalrail.co.uk to see how train times are affected.