Monday 8 Mar 2021
Weekend track improvements for Birmingham’s Cross City line
- Region & Route:
- North West & Central
- | North West & Central: Central
Passengers making essential journeys are being advised about work to improve the Cross City line in Birmingham.
Railway drainage and track foundation stone – or ballast – will be upgraded between Kings Norton and Longbridge on Sunday 28 March.
The essential track improvements will mean more reliable journeys for passengers on the line which connects Redditch and Bromsgrove with Lichfield via Birmingham New Street.
For engineers to carry out the upgrades the railway will be closed to trains.
Trains will run between Lichfield Trent Valley and Birmingham New Street only.
Buses will replace trains to keep passengers on the move between Birmingham New Street and Bromsgrove/Redditch.
Anyone planning to travel on Sunday 28 March is advised to check www.nationalrail.co.uk or with train operator West Midlands Railway.
Martin Colmey, operations director at Network Rail, said: “These essential Cross City line upgrades are part of Network Rail’s commitment to get the railway in the best possible shape as the country emerges from the coronavirus lockdown.
“The drainage improvements will mean fewer delays caused by flooding during bad weather and strengthening the track foundation will mean smoother journeys for passengers. I’d urge anyone planning to travel on Sunday 28 March to check National Rail Enquiries while the railway is closed for this important work.”
Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for West Midlands Railway, said: “Vital maintenance such as this reduces the possibility of flooding delays following periods of heavy rain and makes for a smoother journey for our passengers.
“Rail replacement buses will be in operation while these important works are carried out and I’d urge our customers to plan their travel in advance and thank them for their patience.”
Meanwhile passengers making essential journeys are being advised to check www.nationalrail.co.uk while lockdown travel restrictions remain in place.
Contact information
Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41
Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries
Journalists
Network Rail press office - North West & Central Region
07740 782954
NWCmediarelations@networkrail.co.uk
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