Passengers traveling to London from Lichfield Trent Valley are being urged to plan their journeys around the Easter bank holiday weekend due to significant upgrade works on the West Coast Main Line. Scheduled from April 18 to April 21, 2025, these improvements will involve replacing switches and crossings, as well as enhancing track drainage systems. Consequently, no trains will operate between London Euston and Milton Keynes Central on April 19, 20, and 21. Additionally, a reduced timetable will be in effect on April 18.
Network Rail officials have advised that travelers unable to adjust their plans should prepare for longer journeys and rail replacement services. Amanda Webster-Uz from Network Rail emphasized the importance of this work, stating, “There’s a significant amount of work happening over the Easter bank holiday to improve the reliability of the railway for both passengers and freight.” She also mentioned that while the railway to Euston is closed, the station itself will undergo improvements, including enhanced signage and upgraded toilet facilities for customers.
As travelers navigate these changes, they are encouraged to check their journeys in advance and, if possible, to travel before or after the Easter weekend. More information can be found at www.nationalrail.co.uk/spring.
Meanwhile, another significant closure is set to affect a popular destination in Saddleworth, where a section of Uppermill High Street will be closed to all traffic for two weekends. This closure, which includes the May bank holiday, is necessary for ongoing works on the Saddleworth viaduct. The road beneath the viaduct, including Brownhill Lane, Den Lane, and the pedestrian footpath along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, will be shut off from 6 AM on Saturday to 11 AM on Sunday on April 26-27 and May 3-4.
The works are part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), which aims to fit new tracks onto the viaduct and could impact train journeys between Manchester, Leeds, and York. Mark Ashton, speaking on behalf of the TRU, emphasized that safety is the top priority during these upgrades, stating, “The planned road closures will be in place to protect vehicles and pedestrians while track upgrade works are carried out on the viaduct.”
Ashton acknowledged the potential inconvenience these closures might cause, particularly over the bank holiday weekend, and reassured the public that efforts are being made to minimize disruptions. “We have been working closely with the highways and transport teams from Oldham Council to reduce the impact of the closure as much as possible,” he added. Community members have expressed mixed feelings about the changes, with some recognizing the necessity of the upgrades for improving rail services, while others worry about the potential for significant traffic disruptions.
The TRU project also includes plans to electrify parts of the railway and introduce faster, more frequent train services between Manchester, Huddersfield, and Leeds. As part of these improvement works, Saddleworth will see the installation of new ramps and entrances at Greenfield station, modifications to the highway bridge to accommodate overhead line equipment, and the closure of a hazardous level crossing at Moorgate Halt, which has been the site of several near misses in recent years.
During the closures, the Moorgate Halt crossing will remain operational, with marshals in place to guide pedestrians safely across the railway. Several public consultations have been held in Saddleworth regarding the planned changes, reflecting the community's engagement in the process.
As the Easter bank holiday approaches, travelers are reminded to stay informed about the ongoing works and to plan their journeys accordingly. Both Network Rail and the Transpennine Route Upgrade teams are committed to ensuring safety and improving service reliability for all passengers.
