Birmingham New Street Christmas engineering work
Major engineering work will be taking place at Birmingham New Street station during Christmas 2026
This will significantly affect your journey to, from or through this key station from Christmas Eve (Thursday 24 December) to Boxing Day Bank Holiday (Monday 28 December) inclusive.
Why is major improvement work taking place at Birmingham New Street?
Network Rail is carrying out major engineering work at Birmingham New Street this Christmas as part of a £13m programme to renew ageing overhead line equipment through the station.
The overhead line equipment powers electric trains through the station. Much of this equipment dates back to the 1960s and now needs to be replaced to help reduce faults and improve the long-term reliability of journeys through Birmingham New Street.
When is the work taking place?
The first phase of work will take place from Christmas Eve (Thursday 24 December) to Boxing Day Bank Holiday (Monday 28 December) 2026.
During this time, there will be no train services to or from Birmingham New Street.
Further work is expected to take place over the same Christmas period in 2027 and 2028 as the programme continues.
What does this mean for your journey?
If you usually travel to, from, or change trains at Birmingham New Street, your journey will be affected on Christmas Eve (Thursday 24 December), Sunday 27 December and Boxing Day Bank Holiday (Monday 28 December) 2026.
This includes local, regional and long-distance journeys that normally use Birmingham New Street.
The engineering work will be continuing on Christmas Day and Boxing Day (Friday 25 and Saturday 26 December). But no trains will be running anywhere across Britain on Christmas Day (Friday 25 December), and no trains will run in the Midlands area on Boxing Day (Saturday 26 December).
How will I be able to travel to or from Birmingham New Street?
Train operators and transport partners are working together to confirm travel advice and alternative options. Journeys will take longer, and may involve dedicated rail-replacement buses or using the local bus network. More information will be shared here as plans are finalised.
What do I need to do now?
Christmas timetables are expected to be available in journey planners from early October.
Please check back then to see how your journey will be affected. Plan ahead, check before you travel and allow extra time for your journey.
You can plan your journey here.
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