Major upgrades between Euston and Milton Keynes
Over the Easter period, we’re carrying out a major programme of essential upgrades between London Euston and Milton Keynes
What work is taking place?
The major programme will modernise ageing infrastructure and make journeys more reliable for the millions of passengers and freight operators who rely on the West Coast Main Line.
The West Coast Main Line is Britain’s economic backbone, and we are investing in a long-term programme of upgrades so passengers and freight customers get more reliable journeys, stronger connections and a railway that is ready for the future.
Over the Easter period, engineers will be working around the clock on a combination of track, signalling, power and station improvements, including:
Key upgrades
- £8.4m of essential track work will take place at Willesden including the renewal of switches and crossings (moveable sections of track that guide trains from one track to another), and installing new railway foundation stone (ballast).
- Bridge waterproofing works at Ledburn (near Leighton Buzzard), a £6.6m investment to protect the structure and prevent future damage.
- Signalling upgrades worth over £7m south of Leighton Buzzard to reduce the risk of failures and improve long term reliability.
- Overhead line equipment renewal near Wembley, a £8m project to improve safety and strengthen power resilience.
- Power upgrade enabling works in Bushey to support future improvements to train operations into and out of Euston.
- Station improvements, including canopy and platform upgrades at Harrow & Wealdstone.
Because no trains will run between Euston and Milton Keynes during this work, we are also using the closure window to complete additional renewals and maintenance while the railway is shut.
When is the work taking place?
The work will take place from Friday 3 April to Wednesday 8 April 2026, with significant changes to train services throughout this period.
How will this affect my journey?
From 3-8 April, there will be no main line services between London Euston and Milton Keynes Central. Trains will start and terminate north of Milton Keynes, and rail replacement buses will operate to keep passengers moving. There will also be significant changes to the London Overground Lioness line throughout this period.
Passengers should expect:
- Longer journey times
- Busier services
- Many journeys involving a rail replacement bus
- Significant changes to timetables for Avanti West Coast, London Northwestern Railway and other operators using Euston
If you are travelling over Easter, please check your journey in advance using National Rail Enquiries or your train operator’s website.
Local residents may also notice increased activity near the railway, including the movement of engineering trains, overnight work and deliveries of materials. We will do everything we can to minimise noise and disruption.
Why is this work needed?
These upgrades are essential to keep this nationally important railway running reliably for years to come. The West Coast Main Line is one of Europe’s busiest mixed use railways, carrying millions of passengers alongside vital freight flows.
By renewing track, signals, power systems and bridges, we are:
- Reducing the risk of delays and cancellations
- Improving safety and resilience in extreme weather
- Supporting future railway growth
- Ensuring smoother, more reliable journeys for passengers and freight
- Strengthening the long term performance of the infrastructure between Euston and Milton Keynes
Get in touch
If you have any questions, please contact our 24 hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or visit our Contact Us page.