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 delivering the biggest upgrade to the West Coast Main Line in half a century – a route that keeps Britain moving. 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 the work taking place?

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

How will this work affect me?

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)

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

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.