Starting next year, millions of passengers in the UK will face significant disruption as work begins on major upgrades to one of the country’s most crucial rail lines. The project will involve replacing over 150 miles of wiring along the West Coast Main Line, along with signal upgrades and track replacements. These improvements are necessary to maintain efficient movement of both passenger and freight trains between Scotland and England.
The project, which will span several years, is expected to cause major disruptions. Network Rail plans to close sections of the line for several weeks each year. According to planning documents, engineers will take control of the line and shut it down for three separate two-week periods annually, between 2026 and 2028.
Stations affected by the closures will include Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan, Preston, Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith, and Carlisle. While bus replacement services are expected to be provided, there are concerns about widespread delays. Some industry sources fear that frustrated passengers may choose to fly rather than travel by train between Scotland and London, resulting in disruptions unseen in the past 25 years.
