West Midlands train passengers issued warning ahead of Bank Holiday travel
Passengers have been warned to plan ahead as major train stations are set to be busier than usual.
West Midlands train passengers have been issued a warning ahead of travelling this Bank Holiday weekend.
Network Rail have urged passengers to plan ahead for some journeys as some will be impacted by engineering and improvement work.
The transport operator said that majority of the railway is open as normal with a full timetable in place but journeys between Wolverhampton and Stafford and Birmingham New Street and Coleshill Parkway will be changed because of work taking place.
Birmingham city centre is expected to be busier than usual over the bank holiday weekend due to Birmingham Weekender events, HS2-related rail closures and several football fixtures.
The railway between Birmingham New Street and Coleshill Parkway will be closed from Saturday, August 29 to Monday, August 31, with replacement buses running. On Sunday, August 30, engineering work will also close the line between Wolverhampton and Stafford.
Home fixtures for Aston Villa, Coventry City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Walsall are expected to add to the pressure on public transport, with some services likely to be busier and journeys taking longer.
To be prepared for any changes, all passengers are being reminded to check before they travel, allow extra time, and plan their journeys in advance.
Martin Colmey, route director for Network Rail Central route, said: “We’re expecting Birmingham to be very busy this bank holiday weekend, with Birmingham Weekender bringing more people into the city and a number of home football fixtures.
“The vast majority of the railway is open as normal but I'd urge all passengers to check before they travel, allow extra time and plan ahead — especially if they are travelling through Birmingham New Street or between Wolverhampton and Stafford.
“All work is planned to cause the least disruption to the fewest number of people, and is always vital to keep the railway safe and reliable across the region. I’d like to thank everyone in advance for their patience.”
Passengers can plan their journeys and get the latest travel information at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operator.
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