Train services between Coventry and Leamington Spa line, and between Heyford and Oxford, will be disrupted from Saturday, 29th July until Sunday, 6th August.

The disruption will affect Chiltern Railways services between the West Midlands and London Marylebone, and West Midlands Railways and CrossCountry services between Coventry and Leamington Spa, and further south to Oxford.

During the disruption, different sections of the railway will be closed and rail replacement buses will be provided to keep passengers on the move. Anyone intending to travel during these dates should check at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operator for the latest travel information.

Near Leamington Spa, Network Rail will carry out a £11m project to strengthen a 179-year-old railway viaduct over the River Avon. Specialist roped access teams will be used to replace damaged and missing bricks, repoint the mortar, and strengthen its nine arches.

Additional work during the nine days includes:

• in Banbury, where 2.2 miles of new track will be constructed in £1.3m investment to improve journey reliability;
• in Kenilworth, a 47-metre-long bridge is being installed so that HS2 can be constructed underneath the existing line;
• around Oxford, a major resignalling scheme is taking place in preparation for East West Rail.

Denise Wetton, Network Rail Central route director, said: “I’d like to thank passengers in advance for their patience ahead of this major work while we carry out essential maintenance on an historic viaduct in Leamington Spa, new signalling is installed for East West Rail in Oxford and HS2 builds a key structure that will enable the railway of the future.

“The scale of these projects means there will be disruption to trains between Coventry to Leamington Spa and Oxford from Saturday 29 July until Sunday 6 August. We’ve worked closely with all train operators on plans to keep passengers on the move, and I’d urge people to plan ahead by checking National Rail Enquiries, so they know what to expect from their individual journey.”

Jacqueline Dey, Chiltern Railways operations director, said: “Numerous projects along our routes in Warwickshire and Oxfordshire will affect customer’s travel plans between 29 July and 6 August.

“We will be keeping people on the move, with rail replacement buses in operation between Banbury/Leamington and Bicester North, as well as between Oxford and Oxford Parkway. Customers should ensure they check their full journey before they travel and give themselves enough time to get to their destination.

“This is a significant and complex closure, with various improvement projects being undertaken during the working week. We’d like to thank customers for their understanding and patience while these essential works are completed.”

Huw Margetts, CrossCountry’s regional director for Wales and West, said: “We’re sorry to passengers affected by planned engineering work and industrial action on our route between Coventry, Leamington Spa and Didcot Parkway.

“I’d ask anyone planning to travel between Saturday 29 and Sunday 6 August to check their journey on the CrossCountry website or with National Rail Enquiries before setting off, as some journeys will take longer than usual.”

Jonny Wiseman, West Midlands Railway customer experience director, said: “The strengthening of a viaduct at Leamington Spa is crucial for the safety and upkeep of the railway.

“I advise passengers travelling between Coventry and Leamington Spa between Saturday 29 July and Sunday 6 August to check their journeys before setting out. Services may be disrupted while the work is being completed and I thank passengers for their patience. A rail replacement service will be in operation”.