Rail passengers travelling this Christmas are being encouraged to plan ahead, as major engineering work will mean no trains can operate to or from Birmingham New Street between Thursday 24 and Monday 28 December 2026.
Network Rail is carrying out major work to upgrade overhead power lines in and around Birmingham New Street station, replacing decades-old infrastructure and helping improve the long-term reliability of the vital railway hub.
The five-day closure, from Thursday 24 December to Monday 28 December (inclusive), will impact CrossCountry services across the network, with changes to journeys and timetables while work is underway.
No CrossCountry trains will call at Birmingham New Street during the closure, which will see long-distance services diverted and rail replacement buses for journeys starting or ending at Birmingham New Street.
With nearly all CrossCountry services normally calling at Birmingham New Street, the closure will have a significant impact on customers travelling to or from Birmingham on CrossCountry routes over the Christmas period.
Mark Anderson, CrossCountry’s Customer and Commercial Director, said: “We know customers will be starting to plan and book their Christmas travel over the coming weeks, so we’re sharing this information early to help people make informed decisions about their journeys.”
“This vital engineering work at Birmingham New Street will mean changes for CrossCountry customers between 24 and 28 December, and journey times may be longer than normal. While Christmas still feels a long way off, we want customers to be aware of the work and factor it into their plans where appropriate.”
“We’re working closely with industry partners to ensure that journeys can continue as smoothly as possible while these essential upgrades take place.”
The work forms the first phase of a three-year programme to replace overhead line equipment in and around the station, with further upgrades planned during the Christmas periods of 2027 and 2028.
Martin Colmey, route director for Network Rail Central route, said: “Birmingham New Street is at the heart of the rail network, supporting millions of local, regional and national journeys every year.
“Much of the overhead line equipment dates back to the 1960s and needs to be replaced. This £13m investment has been carefully planned to make the railway more reliable.
“There is never a good time for this type of work and we have done all we can to reduce its impact as much as possible. We want to make people aware as early as possible so they can plan ahead.”
Station facilities, including the assisted travel lounge and toilets, will remain open while services aren’t running. Station staff will be on hand every day to provide help and assistance to those travelling.
Other planned work across the network over the Christmas period may also impact some routes. Detailed information on rail replacement services will be made available for passengers over the coming weeks.
Customers can find the latest information about how Christmas engineering work may affect their journey, including timetable updates and travel advice, by visiting www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/major-engineering-work-birmingham-new-street
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