Signal and track improvements for Trent Valley Line passengers

Rail passengers travelling between Stafford and Rugby are being urged to ‘look before they book’ ahead of a month of weekend railway upgrades.

The major improvements to the Trent Valley Line will see new railway track laid and signalling – the traffic lights of the railway – improved.

Once complete, it will mean smoother, more reliable journeys for passengers who use this busy stretch of the West Coast main line.

Passengers are being urged to check www.nationalrail.co.uk to plan their journeys while the essential work is carried out on 24-25 July, 31 July-1 August, 7-8 August and 14-15 August.

To keep London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway passengers on the move, buses will replace trains between:

• Rugby - Stafford
• Hednesford - Rugeley Trent Valley
• Bermuda Park/Coventry Arena - Nuneaton

A revised timetable will be in place to minimise disruption for passengers.

Avanti West Coast passengers will also see fewer trains and slightly longer journey times with services diverted via Birmingham New Street.

James Dean, Network Rail’s West Coast South route director, said: “We’re really pleased to be investing in the Trent Valley Line so that passengers get the journeys they deserve as they continue to return to the railway. The investment is a key part of our work to support the post-pandemic recovery, helping the country build back better.

“Services will only be affected during the weekends with some journeys replaced by buses to ensure passengers can still get to where they need to be. I’d urge people to check National Rail Enquiries, so they know exactly what to expect from their journey.”

Jonny Wiseman, West Midlands Railway's customer experience director, said: “We all want a modern reliable train service, so track maintenance and upgrades cannot be avoided. The good news is we all benefit from these upgrades. So, the advice as always is plan ahead and allow more time for your journey if you are travelling during this period.”

Gus Dunster, executive director of operations and safety at Avanti West Coast, said: “There’ll be changes to our services while Network Rail carry out essential improvement works. During these weekends we’ll be operating a reduced service and journeys will take longer. We strongly recommend you make a reservation, plan your journey in advance as well as check the National Rail Enquiries website before travelling.”

All the work will be complete by Monday 16 August.

For more on how Network Rail carries out its upgrade work, visit: www.networkrail.co.uk/looking-after-the-railway/