Network Rail is urging passengers making journeys to and from London Euston this Christmas to check before they travel, while railway upgrades take place.
From Sunday 27 December 2026 until Friday 1 January 2027, no trains will run between Northampton and Rugby via Long Buckby, while engineers replace the 65-year-old bridge deck that carries the railway across the River Nene.
Railway engineers will renew the life-expired bridge during a six-day closure of the railway between Northampton and Rugby, with rail replacement buses operating between the two stations via Long Buckby.
Designed to strengthen the resilience of the railway and protect the bridge from river erosion, Network Rail’s £9.3 million investment will minimise long-term maintenance of the structure and make journeys more reliable.
The existing 51-metre bridge deck will be removed and replaced with a new structure, incorporating modern waterproofing and improved drainage.
As part of the works, sleepers, 400 metres of rail, and 720 tonnes of ballast will also be removed and reinstalled, and two overhead line structures renewed.
Last weekend, Network Rail installed foundations and stanchions, which support the overhead line equipment, as part of its preparations for the works at Christmas.
The bridge renewal is part of a wider programme of upgrades by Network Rail that are taking place over the festive period. This includes improving track drainage in Crick Tunnel, Northamptonshire and upgrading the power supply between North Wembley and Bourne End, Buckinghamshire through the installation of overhead line wiring, high-voltage cabling and cable housing.
Major upgrade work to replace overhead power lines on the approaches to and through Birmingham New Street will take place between Thursday 24 December and Monday 28 December 2026 with no trains serving the station during that period.
Andy Johnson, project manager at Network Rail, said: “Our work to replace the bridge near Northampton will make the structure more resilient, improve safety and help make journeys more reliable.
“The bridge replacement, which is part of a wider programme of upgrades taking place across the route this Christmas, will mean the railway between Northampton and Rugby is closed. We’ve worked with train operators to minimise disruption and would like to thank passengers for their patience and understanding.
“Anyone making journeys on the West Coast Main Line between 24 December 2026 and 1 January 2027 is advised to check before they travel with their train operator and on the National Rail website.”
Jonny Wiseman, customer experience and commercial director at London Northwestern Railway, said: “We thank our passengers for their patience while Network Rail carries out this essential bridge replacement to help futureproof the railway. Rail replacement will be in operation between Rugby and Northampton via Long Buckby while the work takes place, and customers are encouraged to check before they travel and leave extra time for their journeys.”
Chris Liptrot, Operations Director at Avanti West Coast, added: “Between 24 December and Friday 1 January, there will be changes to our timetable for journeys to and from London Euston while these railway upgrades take place.
“We are working closely with Network Rail and industry partners to make sure customers are aware of the changes to our services during this time. Online journey planners are up to date with the latest timetables, and all ticket types are now available for people travelling over the festive period. We recommend that customers plan ahead and check their journeys before they travel.”
Anyone travelling on the West Coast Main Line over Christmas and New Year should check before they travel at www.nationrail.co.uk and with their train operator for the latest updates.
Image credit: Network Rail
