Weekend Chiltern track upgrades will impact January journeys

Changes to the Chiltern Main Line will have an effect on services, Network Rail has said.

Alterations are being made to weekend journeys on the line whilst track is being upgraded in between Banbury, Leamington Spa and Stratford-upon-Avon on Sunday 23 and Sunday 30 January, and on Sunday 30 January between London Marylebone and Northolt Park.

The £1 million project hopes to ensure smoother and more reliable journeys for passengers and freight on the route between London and the West Midlands.

Rail replacement buses are being put in place whilst work is underway.

Network Rail says travellers are urged to check www.nationalrail.co.uk to know what to expect during the improvements.

Denise Wetton, Network Rail’s Central route director, said: “These major track improvements to the Chiltern main line will mean better, smoother and more reliable journeys for passengers and freight.

“Replacing track like this means we have to close sections of railway for old sections to be ripped up and replaced with new. I’d urge anyone planning to travel on Sunday 23 or Sunday 30 January to please check National Rail Enquiries to plan their journeys. I’d also like to thank passengers in advance for their patience.”

Train services will start and end at West Ruislip, where passengers can change to London Underground services.

Trains will continue to operate:

• On Sunday 23 January, between Birmingham Moor Street and Warwick Parkway and between Banbury and London Marylebone
• On Sunday 30 January, between Birmingham Moor Street and Warwick Parkway and between Banbury and West Ruislip

Eleni Jordan, commercial & customer strategy director at Chiltern Railways, said: “The improvements being made on the Chiltern line over the next two weekends will be a huge benefit for customers. Anyone who needs to travel during these dates should check their journey via the Chiltern website or app before setting off and allow extra time to travel.”

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