A major programme of infrastructure investment is set to transform the West Coast Main Line this festive season, as Network Rail prepares to deliver hundreds of essential upgrades between 24 December and 15 January.
The works—part of a £196 million investment—span both the northern and southern sections of one of Britain’s busiest rail corridors, aiming to improve reliability for both passengers and freight for years to come.
Key Projects Driving the Programme
Among the most significant schemes scheduled over the 22-day period are:
- £26m junction upgrade at Hanslope (Northamptonshire): Enhancing all four main lines between 24 December and 5 January.
- £16m signalling overhaul at Preston station: Modernising critical infrastructure between 1 – 5 January 2026.
- £61m rolling signalling improvements at Kingmoor (north of Carlisle): Taking place between 1 – 7 January.
- £60m bridge replacement over the M6 at Penrith (Cumbria): The main phase runs from 31 December – 15 January.
The remaining £33m will fund a wide range of renewals across the 309-mile route from London Euston to the Scottish border, including upgrades to overhead lines, station platforms, bridges, track and signalling systems.
Minimising Disruption, Maximising Impact
To safely carry out the works, significant sections of the line will be closed to train traffic during the upgrade window. Network Rail has been working closely with train operators to keep passengers moving wherever possible.
Notably, the Settle to Carlisle line will be used as a diversionary route for long-distance services—the first time in a decade this scenic stretch has supported such operations.
Where rail alternatives aren’t viable, replacement bus services will be deployed to maintain connectivity.
A Long-Term Vision for the West Coast
Christian Irwin OBE, Network Rail’s Capital Delivery Director for the North West & Central region, emphasised the strategic importance of the festive works:
“This Christmas and New Year, we’ll be investing tens of millions of pounds as part of our long-term commitment to make the West Coast Main Line fit for the future.
“Our ambitious programme, with numerous large-scale journey improving projects, will mean certain sections of the route will have to close across 22 days this festive season. For that reason, our advice to anyone planning to travel on the West Coast Main Line between London and Scotland is to plan your journeys as early as possible by visiting National Rail Enquiries.”
The festive works form part of the West Coast Modernisation programme, a once-in-a-generation renewal initiative aimed at boosting train performance and supporting economic growth between Cheshire and Scotland.
National Network Improvements Also Underway
Beyond the West Coast Main Line, Network Rail will also be delivering major upgrades across the wider national network this Christmas, reinforcing its commitment to modernising Britain’s railway infrastructure.
Image & video credit: Network Rail
