Passengers are being advised of a major investment to improve Crewe Station which starts this Christmas and continues throughout 2027.
Network Rail will carry out a wide range of improvements including renewing sections of track, upgrading signals and overhead power lines, and carrying out work to the Crewe Station roof.
The multi-million-pound investment marks the next stage of railway upgrades for one of Britain’s most important transport hubs.
To complete the work as safely and quickly as possible, engineering teams will work over Christmas Day and Boxing Day when trains aren’t running so that passengers aren’t affected.
This will set the foundations for a series of further improvements during 2027, beginning with a nine-day railway closure from 13 February.
As a major interchange on the West Coast Main Line, Crewe connects communities across the North West with towns and cities throughout the Midlands, London, Wales, Scotland and beyond.
Improving the station and railway will support these important connections and boost access to jobs, education, businesses and other opportunities across the region.
Tommy Fleming, Network Rail sponsor, said: “Crewe has been at the heart of Britain’s railway for generations and continues to play an important role in connecting communities across the region and the country.
“This multi-million-pound investment will deliver a safer and more reliable railway for the North, reduce the need for future maintenance and improve the experience of passengers travelling through the station.
“Delivering improvements on this scale will require a series of temporary railway closures, beginning at Christmas 2026. We’re working closely with train operators and other partners to keep disruption to a minimum, and I’d encourage passengers to plan ahead and check their journeys before travelling.”
Kathryn O’Brien, customer experience director at Avanti West Coast, commented: “These upgrades signal the start of working towards an improved experience for our customers travelling to and from Crewe.
“We are liaising with Network Rail and industry partners ahead of the nine-day railway closure in February to ensure that those making journeys during this period are informed on the alternative options available to them. More information will be available to these customers in the coming weeks once timetables have been confirmed.
“Customers should also note that no trains operate across the Avanti network on 25 and 26 December, which this year allows for works to start with no impact to services.”
Image credit: Network Rail
