Nine-day closure for Crewe as rail hub revamp plotted

Trailing a short-term shutdown in February, Network Rail will use Christmas to kick off an improvement programme covering tracks, signalling and overhead power lines, along with work to the station roof.

The railway body said that to complete the work as safely and quickly as possible, engineering teams will work over Christmas Day and Boxing Day, when trains aren’t running, so that passengers aren’t affected.

This will lay the foundations for a series of further improvements during 2027, beginning with a nine-day railway closure from 13 February.

Tommy Fleming, Network Rail sponsor, said: “Crewe has been at the heart of Britain’s railway for generations and continues to play an important role in connecting communities across the region and the country.

“This multi-million-pound investment will deliver a safer and more reliable railway for the North, reduce the need for future maintenance and improve the experience of passengers travelling through the station.

“Delivering improvements on this scale will require a series of temporary railway closures, beginning at Christmas 2026. We’re working closely with train operators and other partners to keep disruption to a minimum, and I’d encourage passengers to plan ahead and check their journeys before travelling.”

Kathryn O’Brien, customer experience director at Avanti West Coast, said: “These upgrades signal the start of working towards an improved experience for our customers travelling to and from Crewe.

“We are liaising with Network Rail and industry partners ahead of the nine-day railway closure in February to ensure that those making journeys during this period are informed on the alternative options available to them.”