Train passengers in the UK have been issued a warning to brace themselves for a chaotic Christmas travel period due to extensive engineering works. Network Rail has announced that around 400 projects are scheduled to take place during the festive season and the New Year.
The disruption will affect numerous major train stations and routes across the country. In London, Liverpool Street station will be closed from Christmas Day until January 2 for renewal work at Bishopsgate Tunnel and enhancements to the passenger experience. Alternative travel options via Victoria line Tube services from Walthamstow Central or Seven Sisters have been advised for affected passengers.
Paddington station will also see disruptions, with no trains calling at the station between December 27 and 29 due to preparatory work for HS2’s Old Oak Common station. As a result, Heathrow Express services will be unable to operate between Paddington and Heathrow Airport. Some Great Western Railway services will be diverted to Euston, while others will begin or end at Reading or Ealing Broadway during this period.
Signalling work in the Crewe area between Christmas Day and January 2 will bring about significant service changes, including the suspension of train services through Crewe station on December 27. This will lead to no direct services between Crewe and Liverpool, as well as a reduced service between Crewe and Manchester from December 28 to January 3.
Despite the inconvenience caused by the engineering works, Network Rail reassured passengers that conducting these projects during the festive period would disrupt fewer people compared to if they were done during a regular week. Passenger numbers at major stations are expected to decrease by 50-60% during the Christmas to New Year period, providing an opportunity to carry out essential work with minimal disruption.
Helen Hamlin, Network Rail’s director of system operations, highlighted that while roads may be busier during the holidays, it presents one of the quietest periods on the railway. This enables necessary improvements to be made with less impact on passengers and freight flows. Hamlin emphasised that most of the railway network will remain operational during Christmas and New Year, although passengers should plan ahead due to significant journey alterations on certain routes.
Transport Focus chief executive Alex Robertson stressed the importance of considering the overall network and minimizing passenger impact when carrying out engineering works over the festive season. Robertson stated that passengers want clear communication, to be kept on the train wherever possible, and to be informed in advance if any part of their journey will involve a rail replacement bus service. Effective communication and support from staff are vital to ensure a smooth travel experience for passengers.
Passengers planning to travel by train during the Christmas period are advised to stay informed about service changes and plan their journeys accordingly. While the engineering works may cause some inconvenience, Network Rail and train operators are working towards completing essential projects to improve the overall railway network for passengers in the long term.