Passengers in Lichfield using the West Coast Main Line are being warned of delays during more than two weeks of engineering disruption.
Upgrades will be carried out on the route at the Acton Grange junction near Warrington starting on 20th July.
The work is expected to take 16 days, forcing a complete closure of the line, meaning passengers travelling to and from the north will face disruption.
Some services will be diverted using alternative lines, while others will be replaced by buses.
David Golding, acting route managing director, said: “The West Coast Main Line is Europe’s busiest mixed-use railway – it is the economic backbone of Britain.
“With more than 260 trains using this junction every day, it is vital to keep it in good condition. We need to replace it and upgrade it to ensure a reliable railway for passengers for many years to come.
“To deliver work of this scale and magnitude, we must close the junction for 16 days this summer. The alternative would be many weekends of disruption to passengers and much higher cost.
“We have worked closely with our train and freight operator colleagues to minimise the disruption and to keep as many trains moving as possible.
“I would urge passengers to plan ahead and check before they travel on the National Rail website.”
