Travel disruption expected as rail lines to shut for engineering works

Travel disruption is expected this weekend due to some rail routes being closed for engineering works.

Tomorrow (Sunday, Janury 19), Network Rail are carrying out maintenance and improvement works at Oxford, Banbury, Leamington Spa, Small Heath and Birmingham.

Chiltern Railways is urging those travelling tomorrow to allow "plenty of time" for journeys.

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According to the Chiltern Railways website, the line will be closed for the route north of Bicester until 1.30pm, and the section of the line between Bicester and Banbury will open after approximately 1.30pm.

The website also states that the railway between Oxford Parkway and Oxford will be closed until 3.15pm.

A statement on the Chiltern Railways website says: "The engineering works on Sunday will work to improve drainage, cut back vegetation, inspect and maintain tunnels, and complete track maintenance to help keep the railway and journeys safe and reliable for passengers and freight services.

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"Additionally, the timings of these works are scheduled outside of busy travel periods to minimise disruption and avoid dates where a number of sporting and music events are planned.

"All Journeys that pass through the affected area(s) will take considerably longer than usual."

During these periods rail replacement buses will be in operation. Details of this can be found here: https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/jan2025

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