Network Rail has plans to upgrade the Chiltern Main Line between Birmingham, Oxford and London to make journeys more reliable.

Passengers will soon benefit from track upgrades at Harbury tunnel between Leamington Spa and Banbury over two weekends this September.

The upgrades, costing £600,000, will consist of 550 metres of track being installed on the line.

The work will be carried out across Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September and Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September.

For the track replacement to be completed, the Chiltern Main Line will need to close temporarily, with rail replacement busses put in place during this time.

Those wanting to travel should plan ahead as journeys will take longer, journeys can be checked at www.nationalrail.co.uk

Trains will continue to operate between Birmingham Snow Hill and Leamington Spa as well as Banbury and London Marylebone.

Denise Wetton, Network Rail’s Central route director, said: “These major track improvements to the Chiltern main line will mean better, smoother and more reliable journeys for passengers and freight in future.

“However, replacing track like this means we have no choice but to close sections of railway for old sections to be ripped up and replaced with new. I’d urge anyone planning to travel over the next two weekends in September to please check National Rail Enquiries to plan their journeys. I’d also like to thank passengers in advance for their patience.”

Jacqueline Dey, operations director at Chiltern Railways, said: “We will ensure that customers are well-informed about the short-term impact these significant improvements will have on their journeys, and thank customers in advance for their patience while these vital works take place.
“Network Rail’s track improvements on the Chiltern main line will improve customer experience and ensure that our railway is fit for purpose as passenger demand continues to increase post-pandemic.”

John Robson, regional director for West Midlands and North West at CrossCountry, said: “This vital investment in the railway infrastructure will enhance our customers’ travel experience and improve reliability. We ask that customers check our website before travelling while the work is carried out and thank them for their patience while this important work takes place.”