Birmingham rail chaos: Major disruptions on Wolverhampton route this weekend

The works, scheduled for Saturday, January 11, and Sunday, January 12, 2025, will lead to line closures and amended timetables across multiple operators with replacement buses in place.

Here's what you need to know:

Routes Affected

The disruptions will impact services operated by:

• Avanti West Coast
• CrossCountry
• London Northwestern Railway / West Midlands Railway
• Transport for Wales

Service Adjustments

Avanti West Coast

• Trains between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton will be diverted via Soho and Bescot Stadium.
• Services to/from Birmingham New Street will operate on a reduced and amended timetable.
• Alternative services are recommended for passengers traveling to Sandwell and Dudley.

CrossCountry

• Trains will not stop at Wolverhampton.
• Passengers traveling to or from Wolverhampton should use other train services.

London Northwestern Railway / West Midlands Railway

• Saturday and Sunday: Services between Liverpool Lime Street and Birmingham New Street will be diverted, bypassing Smethwick Galton Bridge, with adjusted arrival and departure times at Birmingham New Street.
• Trains between Wolverhampton and Walsall will operate only between Birmingham New Street and Walsall.
• Local stopping services between Wolverhampton and Birmingham New Street will be suspended.
• Rail replacement buses will run between Wolverhampton and Birmingham New Street, stopping at all intermediate stations, including Smethwick Galton Bridge.

Saturday Only:

• Services between Shrewsbury and Birmingham New Street will run at reduced frequency, be diverted, and will not stop at Smethwick Galton Bridge.

Sunday Only:

• Trains between Shrewsbury and Birmingham New Street will operate only between Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton.

Transport for Wales

• No trains will run between Wolverhampton and Birmingham New Street/Birmingham International on either day.
• Passengers are advised to use alternative services.

Rail replacement buses will be available, providing connections between Wolverhampton and Birmingham New Street. These buses will stop at all intermediate stations, including Smethwick Galton Bridge.

Note: Replacement buses may be busier than usual, so passengers should allow extra time for their journey. For details on accessibility and bicycle carriage, refer to the Rail Replacement Services page on the National Rail website.

Passengers are encouraged to check the National Rail Enquiries Journey Planner for the latest updates and to confirm their travel arrangements before setting out.

For more details, visit the National Rail Engineering Works page.

Travellers are reminded to prepare for possible delays and disruptions while essential maintenance work is carried out.