West Coast Main Line upgrades

We’re investing £400m from now until March 2029 to strengthen one of Britain’s most critical rail routes – making journeys smoother and more reliable.

Project timeline

This programme of improvements will continue throughout this control period, until March 2029.

What work is taking place?

We’re investing in the future of the West Coast Main Line – the route that keeps Britain moving. The programme includes the biggest upgrade to its northern section in half a century, alongside wider improvements along the line. This is not routine maintenance, it’s a once-in-a-generation investment to renew and strengthen the railway so it can handle growing demand and deliver the reliable, resilient journeys passengers deserve.

When is work taking place and how will it affect me?

We’ll be delivering improvements throughout 2026, and beyond. We’ll keep this page updated with specific dates and travel advice.

To deliver this once-in-a-generation upgrade, we’ll need to close sections of the route at certain times. This will mean some changes to journeys, but we’re working closely with rail partners to keep you moving:

• Diverting trains and ensuring ticket acceptance on other routes so you can stay on trains wherever possible
• Providing frequent, spacious rail replacement buses where rail connections aren’t available
• Clear travel advice on National Rail and train operator websites
• Updates on this page and our social media channels @networkrailWCML (X) @networkrailNWC (Instagram)

Upcoming works

Why is the work needed?

The West Coast Main Line (WCML) is Britain’s economic backbone. It connects major cities and moves thousands of trains and tonnes of goods every day. But parts of the line are showing their age and can’t cope with modern demand. That means slower journeys, more delays, and last-minute changes for passengers.

We’re fixing that. By investing now, we’re preventing disruption tomorrow and building confidence in rail travel for years to come.

This isn’t about building grand new stations. It’s about essential upgrades that make journeys smoother and more reliable. The benefits will build over time – this is the start of a long-term programme to improve the WCML and prepare for future growth. We’re working with industry partners on a longer-term strategy and future enhancements to deliver the full vision for growth and connectivity.

We’re delivering a simpler, better, greener railway:

• Fewer delays and more reliable journeys
• Stronger links between cities and communities
• A greener railway that supports jobs and local economies
• Protecting journeys from the impact of extreme weather and climate change

Easter work completed to strengthen reliability for passengers

Major engineering work across the West Coast Main Line between Euston and Preston was successfully completed over the Easter period (3 to 19 April 2026).

The programme delivered significant signalling, track and overhead line upgrades to improve the reliability of the railway and support smoother journeys for passengers.

Working closely with industry partners, we did everything possible to keep passengers on trains during the work. Avanti West Coast diverted some services via the Settle and Carlisle line, helping passengers continue to travel by rail where possible.

The work included:

• Renewal of key track, signalling and overhead line equipment between Euston and Milton Keynes
• Signalling and track upgrades between Preston and Oxenholme
• Overhead line equipment improvements between Preston, Lancaster and Fylde

Thank you to passengers and local communities for their patience while this essential work was carried out.

Get in touch

For more information or to get in touch with us, please contact us by visiting our contact us page or calling our 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.