Network Rail looks to kickstart over 600 upgrade projects over the Easter bank holiday to significantly improve its railway services for the future. Though the wave of work will affect some vital routes, the £116m investment is deemed necessary, as it looks to make sure its services are maintained, consistent and safe prior to the government’s road-map out of lockdown.
It is advised due to the potential restrictions in services for people plan ahead in regards to their travels and remain vigilant by maintaining government guidelines.
The projects will be across the West Coast Main Line where services will impact those travelling from in and out of central London.
Track renewal and upgrades will also be taking place across the West Midlands route up North, starting from Euston through to Milton Keynes, Rugby through Birmingham, Cheshire/Crewe and further signaling replacements in Greater Manchester.
These will look for make services to be more reliable, in light of schools recently reopening and the expectation that commuters will gain further confidence.
Andrew Haines, Network Rail Chief Executive, said: “Over the past year we have continued to invest billions of pounds in our railway to make sure we can play our part in a sustainable recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. This significant investment will continue over the Easter bank holiday weekend, with thousands of frontline workers out delivering vital upgrades to the network”
The upgrades will replace much of the old infrastructure and signaling, some of which have been in place since the 1970s. This overhaul consequently mean services between Liverpool Street and Shenfield will not be running, and trains from Norwich, Ipswich and Clacton-On Sea will terminate at Ingatestone over the weekend.
You can stay updated during the Easter bank holiday weekend and train operator, via National Rail Enquiries, or by following #EasterRailWorks on Twitter.
