Passengers using the West Coast Main Line are being reminded that from Christmas Eve, major works will be underway near Milton Keynes.

More specifically, the series of projects is being carried out at the vital Hanslope Junction.

The work will improve the reliability of the line, as in the past five years, faults at the junction have caused more than a week’s worth of delays.

The £26 million improvement programme will see 130 track pieces replaced, with foundations strengthened and maintenance carried out to points, switches and crossings.

During the closure, they will also be working on platform 4 at Milton Keynes Central station, resurfacing platforms 3 and 4 at Wolverton station, upgrading Newport Bridge in Stafford and completing track renewals near Roade.

Other smaller-scale jobs, such as upgrading signage, painting and cleaning, will also be carried out.

Numerous journeys will be affected until the 5th January, so passengers should check before they travel.

“This is a much-needed upgrade which will reduce the number of delays passengers have to experience on the railway and future-proof the West Coast Main Line for decades to come.

“We have worked hard with our train operator partners to limit disruption to people travelling this Christmas, but please check your journey before you travel.” 

Steve Hopkinson, Network Rail’s operations director for the West Coast South route