Vital track upgrades near Milton Keynes this Christmas

Track upgrades near Milton Keynes mean major changes to services between London Euston and Scotland from 24 December to 4 January

What work is taking place?

We’re carrying out £26m worth of vital upgrades across all four main lines at Hanslope Junction, near Milton Keynes. Our teams will be replacing large sections of track and the stone foundations beneath them to make journeys smoother and more reliable for years to come.

Over 12,500 tonnes of new stone will be laid, and more than 130 new track panels will be delivered and installed. Some track panels will be built off-site and others will be assembled directly on location. Specialist machinery will be used to lift and position the new track, and we’ll be working across all four railway lines in the area.

While trains are not running between Milton Keynes and Rugby or Milton Keynes and Northampton, we will make the most of this opportunity to carry out extra work, including platform improvements at both Milton Keynes and Wolverton stations.

When is the work taking place?

The work will take place from the afternoon of Wednesday 24 December 2025 until the morning of Monday 5 January 2026.

How will this work affect me?

From the afternoon of Wednesday 24 December 2025 through to the end of Sunday 4 January 2026, there will be no trains running on the West Coast Main Line between Milton Keynes and Northampton / Rugby. Rail replacement bus services will be in operation, which means journeys will take longer than usual and may be busier, especially around Christmas and New Year.

If you’re travelling, please check your journey in advance using National Rail or your train operator’s website.

Local residents may notice increased activity near the railway, including overnight work and deliveries of materials. We’ll do our best to keep noise and disruption to a minimum.

Why is the work needed?

This essential upgrade will make the railway more reliable and resilient for years to come. By renewing the track and foundations, we’re reducing the risk of delays and cancellations, especially during bad weather. The improvements will also help keep trains running safely at higher speeds, supporting better journeys for passengers and freight.

Get in touch

If you have any questions please call our dedicated 24-hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or visit our contact us page.