Passengers updated about urgent rail repairs between Tamworth and Nuneaton

People travelling on the West Coast Main Line are being urged to continue to check their journeys following damage to overhead line equipment in Warwickshire.

Following a routine track inspection on the railway through Polesworth on 6 December, rail engineers discovered damage to an overhead line structure which carries the wires that provide power to electric trains.

Since the issue was identified, engineers have successfully installed a temporary prop which has allowed passenger and freight trains to continue running safely.

While one line remains closed, services are running through the area at reduced speeds on the remaining three lines. Passengers are being advised to expect longer journey times and to check with their train operator and at www.nationalrail.co.uk before starting journeys.

Until further notice, London Northwestern Railway services travelling southbound are unable to call at Atherstone station. Bus replacement services will be in place between Tamworth, Atherstone and Nuneaton in the southbound direction only for customers travelling to/from Atherstone.

Luke Swain, principle route engineer for Network Rail, said: “We’re working hard to keep passengers and freight services moving through Polesworth while we complete urgent repairs to a damaged overhead line structure.

“After propping the structure, we’ve been able to safely increase the speed trains can run through the area, however journeys are still being affected and passengers should continue to check before they travel.

“I’m sorry for the ongoing disruption and want to assure passengers that we’re working on a plan to fully reopen the railway as soon as possible.”

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director at London Northwestern Railway, said: “We apologise for the disruption caused to customers in Atherstone while Network Rail complete vital repairs to the overhead cables. Rail replacement services will be in operation until southbound services are able to call at the station once again, with timetables available to view on journey planners.”

Martyn Brennan, operations director at Avanti West Coast, said: “We’d like to thank customers for their patience while Network Rail carry out vital repairs to the infrastructure near Tamworth. As always, we’d encourage those making journeys on the West Coast Main Line to check before they travel.”

Engineers are working around the clock to prepare the railway embankment for work to replace the damaged structure. A full repair plan is being developed which will see a four-track railway returned as soon as possible.

Train services are expected to be subject to diversion, amendment or cancellation. Latest travel advice can be found at www.nationalrail.co.uk.