Network Rail is encouraging passengers to check travel arrangements and allow for extra travel time as essential engineering work is carried out over the Chiltern Main Line between 14 and 15 March 2026.

During the works, old sleepers are set to be removed and replaced by new concrete ones, along with further renewal of sections of track and ballast near West Ruislip. A half-mile stretch near Birmingham New Street is also being upgraded, and improvements to track switches and crossings will be carried out approaching London Marylebone.

During the closures, no Chiltern Railways services will run into or out of London Marylebone and services south of Gerrards Cross or Amersham, and south of Bicester North from Birmingham, will be suspended.

Rail replacement buses will operate between Bicester North and Bicester Village, and between Gerrards Cross and Hillingdon.

These works are designed to improve reliability and provide smoother services for years to come.

“I understand that no trains to or from London Marylebone for an entire weekend will significantly inconvenience our customers. I want to thank them for their patience during these works which are crucial for the future reliability of the railway.

“Please check your journeys ahead of travelling in the area on the affected weekend as they will be heavily disrupted.”

Michael Stewart, commercial and customer strategy director at Chiltern Railways.