FAQ

Q: Where is the work taking place?
A: The vast majority of our lines are open and many journeys will not be affected. However, in some key locations some major projects are taking place. Please check with National Rail Enquiries before you travel.

You can call them on 08457 48 49 50 or go to the website at www.nationalrail.co.uk/maybankholidays

Q: When is the work taking place?
A: Major engineering works are happening at certain places on the network over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. Most of the work will take place between Saturday 24th May and Monday 26th May.

Q: When will the work finish?
A: We plan to finish the majority of the work before Tuesday 27th May.

Q: Why is it happening over the May Bank Holiday weekend?
A: To keep disruption to a minimum – fewer people travel at this time than during the week.

Q: What are you actually doing?
A: We are spending £45million this weekend on over 24 projects. More than 4,000 people will work around 150,000 man-hours over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. We are making all sorts of improvements including laying new track, repairing bridges and updating signalling systems.

Q: Why isn’t engineering work more widely publicised?
A: We have been running advertising in the newspapers and online for the last week along with other activities – over 75% of regular rail users will have seen the campaign.

Q: Why isn’t this information shown earlier? Why is it usually during the week before the weekend engineering work takes place?
A: It takes months to plan these works and the final decisions are taken a few weeks before they start. We work closely with Passenger Focus, the train operators and National Rail Enquiries to make sure there is minimum disruption.

Q: Where can I find out what is going on?
A: National Rail Enquiries is updated every five minutes.
You can call them on 08457 48 49 50 or go to www.nationalrail.co.uk/maybankholidays

Q: The information shown on train operators’ websites is not easy to understand. The National Rail Enquiries website is not clear either.
A: Call the National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 and they can help you.