West Coast Main Line improvements

We are carrying out major works this Easter to improve the railway for passengers and freight

If you’re planning to travel between London Euston and Scotland we are asking you to plan your journey in advance over the Easter 2025 bank holiday weekend.

new track close up with engineers in orange PPE working in the background

What work is taking place?

Work on the West Coast main line includes:

  • Engineering works including the renewal of overhead lines, switches and crossings (movable sections of track), and drainage improvements between London Euston and Milton Keynes Central.
  • Engineers will be finalising the connection of a new rail freight interchange to the West Coast Main Line in Northampton over the Easter period. This critical work involves activating a complex new signalling system to guarantee safe and smooth integration with the broader rail network.
  • As London Euston station is closed, we will be using the time to carry out improvements to passenger facilities, including upgrading the toilet facilities and enhancing wayfinding to make navigating the station easier.
  • Preparatory work will be carried out in Stockport for the Greek Street bridge replacement scheduled for this summer.
  • Essential signalling upgrades north of Carlisle in the Kingmoor area between Saturday 19 – Monday 21 April 2025. In Scotland, between Carstairs and the border, teams will complete track renewals, drainage improvements and infrastructure maintenance on weekends between this Saturday and Sunday June 8 2025.
  • South of the border, engineers will renew signals and the lineside equipment which manages train traffic north of Carlisle.

How will this work affect me?

London Euston Station

No trains will run between London Euston and Milton Keynes Central on Saturday 19 April, Sunday 20 April and Monday 21 April 2025, with Euston station closed on these days. A reduced timetable will operate on Friday 18 April. If you’re travelling across the weekend please plan your journey for either side of the weekend to avoid longer journeys.

North of Carlisle

From Saturday 19 April to Monday 21 April services on the West Coast Main Line will start and terminate at Carlisle. Bus replacement services will be in place between Carlisle, Glasgow, Dumfries and Edinburgh.

Greek Street in Stockport

Train services will be affected between 19 to 22 April and some services will be diverted around Stockport while others will be replaced with bus services.

Liverpool

Liverpool Lime Street and lines between Mossley Hill and Huyton will be closed on Easter Sunday (20 April 2025) to allow for track upgrades in the Liverpool City Region. Passengers should check with their train operator to plan their specific journey into Liverpool.

Get in touch

If you have any questions please call our dedicated 24-hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or visit our contact us page.