There will be severe disruption to train services between Birmingham Snow Hill, Stourbridge and Kidderminster this Sunday, 16th February, because of essential engineering work.

Network Rail engineers will take advantage of the line’s closure to carry out maintenance of switches and crossings to improve their reliability and ensure a more comfortable journey for passengers.

The closure will mainly affect West Midlands Railway services between Birmingham Snow Hill and Kidderminster and Chiltern Railways services between Birmingham Snow Hill, Banbury and London Marylebone.

Passenger journeys will take longer than usual, and for most of the day, rail-replacement bus services will be in operation between Birmingham Snow Hill, Stourbridge and Kidderminster.

Chiltern Railways services to London Marylebone will also be affected by a closure of the line between High Wycombe and Wembley Stadium where further track maintenance work will be taking place.

Passengers intending to travel on West Midlands Railway services from Birmingham Snow Hill to Stourbridge and Kidderminster or Chiltern Railways services from Birmingham Snow Hill should check the latest journey information in advance at www.nationalrail.co.uand allow extra time for their journeys.

Sunday’s disruption continues problems for Chiltern Railways customers travelling at weekends, following a closure of the line between Aylesbury and Great Missenden on the weekend of 1st and 2nd February,

“I am sorry for the disruption caused while we complete this essential maintenance work. We know there is never a good time to close the railway but this work has been carefully planned to keep disruption to a minimum while delivering the most future benefits for passengers. If you’re planning to travel, please plan ahead and check before you travel for the latest journey information and travel advice.”

Martin Colmey, operations director for Network Rail Central route