Reason why no trains will operate from Birmingham New Street over Christmas this year
Network Rail are scheduled to begin a major £13million upgrade of overhead powerlines.
There will be no trains operating from Birmingham New Street station over Christmas this year due to a major upgrade.
Network Rail are scheduled to begin a major £13million upgrade of overhead powerlines between December 24 and 28 to keep electric trains moving to and through the station and improve reliability in the long term.
During the works, which is the first phase of a three-year programme, engineers will renew complex sections of the wiring, much of which dates back to the 1960s
Further work will be taking place over the Christmas period in 2027 and 2028.
Network Rail, train operators and transport partners are working closely together to minimise the impact as much as possible so passengers can make their planned journeys - but the extent and scale of the work means journeys will take longer and may involve dedicated rail-replacement buses or using the local bus network.
Martin Colmey, route director for Network Rail Central route, said: “Birmingham New Street is at the heart of the rail network, supporting millions of local, regional and national journeys every year.
“Much of the overhead line equipment dates back to the 1960s and needs to be replaced. This £13m investment has been carefully planned to make the railway more reliable.
“There is never a good time for this type of work and we have done all we can to reduce its impact as much as possible. Christmas is a quieter time, but we know it will affect journeys at an important time of the year.
“We want to make people aware as early as possible so they can plan ahead. As soon as tickets are available to buy for Christmas travel, there will be clear, detailed information to help passengers plan their journeys and make informed decisions.”
Services are scheduled to resume on December 29.
More information on about alternative travel options, journey times, rail-replacement buses and advice on using other transport providers, visit the National Rail website.