WCML 2026 Xmas engineering works

[boiledbeans2]

I'm trying to find out if the WCML will be shut over the 2026 Xmas to new year period. Specifically, the Euston to Birmingham or Euston to Manchester sections.

My origin is Watford Junction. I will definitely be travelling to Central London (Probably the Lioness DC line will still run if the LNWRs don't. If not, then the Met line.) I am also considering travel up north to Birmingham or Manchester.

I can't find anything on the Avanti/LNWR/National Rail websites as it's apparently too early. But I've read on this forum that major engineering works are planned way in advance (a year?)

Does anyone have insider info on the WCML services during Xmas/new year?

 

[blue87]

Overheard some staff talking about a major blockade around Birmingham New Street between Christmas and New Year several months ago (something to do with the overhead lines) but not seen anything online about it yet, and realtimetrains hasn't got Christmas timetables for there yet.

 

[Mike99]

Have a look at Network Rail Future Engineering Works, I got this from an opening summary, its probably a big article which I cant read such things particularly well, hope it helps a bit,
Key Planned Works for 2026/27

• • Christmas and New Year Disruption: Essential engineering works are planned across various routes from Wednesday 23 December 2026 until Sunday 3 January 2027 inclusive. [1]
  • West Coast Main Line Upgrades: Track renewals and HS2 preparation work affect portions of the line, such as closures between Rugby and Stafford or major upgrades between London Euston and Milton Keynes Central (e.g., 3–8 April)

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

As far as I can see from the Engineering Access Statement, there is lots of work planned between Watford and Birmingham over Christmas 2026, but it mostly appears to be scheduled in the passenger closure period from 25-27 December, finishing by about 0800 on the 27th (a Sunday).
One block outside that period is for rewiring the OHLE through Birmingham New St which extends to 29 December.
Alternative routes through Birmingham Moor St/Snow Hill look to be unaffected, but Slough-Paddington has a long block over Christmas/New Year.
All subject to change of course, until confirmed.

 

[800002]

There will be days when Chiltern are 'covering' London - Birmingham and London - Oxford routes, so could be extremely busy if enough people are travelling during the period.

GWR are diverting (last call Swindon) 2 tph via Milton Keynes to Euston, when it's open.

 

[Tilting007]

WCML is just Xmas Day and Boxing day.
GWR will be running across East - West to MKC and into Euston from 27th Dec for six days.

 

[boiledbeans2]

Many thanks for all your replies!

[...] but Slough-Paddington has a long block over Christmas/New Year.
All subject to change of course, until confirmed.

Will Elizabeth line to Heathrow be shut over Xmas/new year?

 

[Bigbru]

Many thanks for all your replies!



Will Elizabeth line to Heathrow be shut over Xmas/new year?

TfL's 6 month closure sheet shows Paddington to Heathrow and Reading all closed from 26th to 30th December, then West Drayton to Reading staying closed from 31st Dec to 3rd Jan.

It can be accessed here:

Planned line closures & service changes

Track closures - six month look ahead. Find out if planned closures could affect your journey

tfl.gov.uk

 

[deltic]

Any idea what is happening on the ECML this Christmas as a possible alternative to the WCML

 

[blue87]

Some Christmas eve services in Birmingham area are starting to appear in realtimetrains, services diverting via Aston-Stechford & Washwood Heath - Camp Hill.

 

[Mike99]

Any idea what is happeningn the ECML this Christmas as a possible alternative to the WCML

I just popped York into Real Time Trains for Tuesday 29th December, (I don't know if Monday 28th is a Bank Holiday as Boxing day is a Saturday) and quite a lot of LNER services operating throughout the whole route, maybe have a look see if this helps with your plans.

 

[Mike99]

I'm trying to find out if the WCML will be shut over the 2026 Xmas to new year period. Specifically, the Euston to Birmingham or Euston to Manchester sections.

My origin is Watford Junction. I will definitely be travelling to Central London (Probably the Lioness DC line will still run if the LNWRs don't. If not, then the Met line.) I am also considering travel up north to Birmingham or Manchester.

I can't find anything on the Avanti/LNWR/National Rail websites as it's apparently too early. But I've read on this forum that major engineering works are planned way in advance (a year?)

Does anyone have insider info on the WCML services during Xmas/new year?

I just popped Manchester Piccadilly into Real Time Trains for Tuesday 29th December, (I don't know if Monday 28th is a Bank Holiday as Boxing day is a Saturday) and quite a lot of AWC services operating throughout the route from Piccadilly down to London taking 2hours 10mins or so, maybe have a look see if this helps with your plans.

 

[deltic]

I just popped York into Real Time Trains for Tuesday 29th December, (I don't know if Monday 28th is a Bank Holiday as Boxing day is a Saturday) and quite a lot of LNER services operating throughout the whole route, maybe have a look see if this helps with your plans.

It looks like the ECML is shut between Retford and York on Christmas Eve

 

[Mike99]

It looks like the ECML is shut between Retford and York on Christmas Eve

Yes, after I posted I carried on scouting around the network and the last Manchester Piccadilly from London Euston on Christmas Eve departs at 18:53 and terminates at Stockport with Rail Replacement Bus/Coach from Stockport into Manchester, if people have luggage, bags of presents etc, excited/tired youngsters in tow etc. then I hope it isn't too stressful for anyone.

 

[boiledbeans2]

TfL's 6 month closure sheet shows Paddington to Heathrow and Reading all closed from 26th to 30th December, then West Drayton to Reading staying closed from 31st Dec to 3rd Jan.

It can be accessed here:

Planned line closures & service changes

Track closures - six month look ahead. Find out if planned closures could affect your journey

tfl.gov.uk

Thanks for the info!

 

[boiledbeans2]

Some Christmas eve services in Birmingham area are starting to appear in realtimetrains, services diverting via Aston-Stechford & Washwood Heath - Camp Hill.

Thanks for the heads up. RTT now seems to have updated info for the Xmas period.

When I made the original first post, RTT was showing a full service running everywhere on 25th Dec!

Though it may not be fully correct. Checking Clapham Junction on 26th Dec, SWR has no trains, but Southern seems to be operating a full service!