Rail Net

More than 60,000 rail passengers have been told to prepare for delays in their final journey this last day of the year. This was done after rail chiefs performed a last-minute about-turn and set engineering works on the West Coast Main Line. The latter was one of the busiest railway routes in the country.

Network Rail set a 24-hour extended period of upgrade work on the West Coast Main Line, which would greatly affect people travelling between Manchester, Birmingham, and London.

The said extension adds to other scheduled engineering works that will take place on Monday on the rail network.

A number of delays and service disruptions have already shattered the festive mood of many British travellers.

Sharp increases in ticket prices this week add to people’s concerns, as well as the predicted number of car breakdowns to occur on the roads this New Year.

Airport strikes may also worsen the mood of the travelling public this January.

However, amid these setbacks, Network Rail’s decision to extend its engineering works on the West Coast mainline is generally viewed to be the greatest and most immediate hassle travellers have to face.

Around 60,000 passengers are estimated to use the line on Monday, with most bound to New Year celebrations.

They have been advised to prepare for a hour-hour delay in their journey this New Year, with buses between some stations set to operate as replacement.

Such delay will affect trains coming from and to the West Midlands, north-west England, north Wales, and Scotland.