UK rail network Christmas engineering works

Network Rail has announced extensive engineering and improvement programmes scheduled across the United Kingdom rail network during the 2026 Christmas period. These projects, totaling approximately £152 million, aim to improve reliability and capacity through essential upgrades to tracks, signalling, and overhead power lines.

Key disruptions include a five day closure at London Paddington for junction upgrades and track installation, affecting intercity services to Wales and the West of England. Birmingham New Street is also scheduled for a five day closure. In East London, the Elizabeth line and Greater Anglia services will face disruptions between Liverpool Street and Forest Gate, with no service between Stratford and Romford.

Other planned works involve multi million pound investments at Crewe Station and renewals on the Great Eastern Main Line. While these projects necessitate station closures and the use of rail replacement buses, Network Rail stated that most other routes across the national network will remain open.