A major junction on the West Coast main line will close for 16 days in just over a month’s time.

This is for vital engineering work in Warrington, train passengers have been warned by Network Rail.

Between 20 July and 4 August, Network Rail are to be upgrading track, cabling, overhead lines as well as signalling on the busy Acton Grange junction, which is used by more than 260 trains each day.

Acton Grange is a key section of the West Coast main line between Crewe and Preston.

Many train services will be diverted via alternative routes, whilst the £27 million Great North Rail Project scheme takes place.

Train operators and Network Rail have agreed on a plan to keep passengers moving throughout the work.

The plan may mean passengers have to change onto different trains or buses for sections of their journeys.

Passengers are being urged to check www.nationalrail.co.uk before travelling so they know exactly what to expect.

They are also advised to allow more time for their journeys as services are likely to be busier than usual.

This section of the West Coast mainline helps connect Chester and Warrington to Manchester in the east and Wigan, Preston, the Lake District and Scotland to the West Midlands and London.

The vital upgrade this summer will bring the outdated track and equipment to fresh modern standards and further improve the reliability of the economically important West Coast mainline.

What did the officials have to say?

Martin Frobisher, managing director for Network Rail’s London North Western route, said:

 “The West Coast main line is Europe’s busiest mixed-use railway. It is the economic backbone of Britain.

“With more than 260 trains using this junction every day, it is vital to keep it in good condition. We need to replace it and upgrade it to ensure a reliable railway for passengers for many years to come.

“To deliver work of this scale and magnitude, we must close the junction for 16 days this summer. The alternative would be many weekends of disruption to passengers and much higher cost.

“We have worked closely with our train and freight operator colleagues to minimise the disruption and to keep as many trains moving as possible. I would urge passengers to plan ahead and check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk.”

Robert Nisbet, regional director for the Rail Delivery Group, which represents the railway, said:

“This vital engineering work is part of the rail industry’s plan to improve punctuality and make journeys better while keeping disruption to a minimum as much as we can.

“We encourage people who are planning to take the train during these weeks to check before they travel by visiting www.nationalrail.co.uk or speaking to their train operator.”

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