Network Rail has announced a programme of repairs that will affect trains travelling between Coventry and Oxford.

The works include £11 million in repairs to a Victorian railway viaduct which carries trains over the River Avon near Leamington Spa.

Engineers will use special ropes to replace missing and damaged bricks as well as repointing the structure's mortar and strengthening its nine arches.

The programme of works also includes plans to build 2.2 miles of new track in Banbury to improve journey reliability. This is accompanied by the installation 47-metre-long bridge being installed in Kenilworth so tracks for HS2 can be built underneath the existing rail route and a major railway resignalling scheme around Oxford to prepare for East West Rail.

The scheme will require various sections of the railway to be closed between 29 July and 6 August. Replacement buses will be used to transport passengers during the closures.


Commenting on the project, Denise Wetton, Network Rail Central route director, said: "I’d like to thank passengers in advance for their patience ahead of this major work while we carry out essential maintenance on a historic viaduct in Leamington Spa, new signalling is installed for East West Rail in Oxford and HS2 builds a key structure that will enable the railway of the future.

"The scale of these projects means there will be disruption to trains between Coventry to Leamington Spa and Oxford from Saturday 29 July until Sunday 6 August. We've worked closely with all train operators on plans to keep passengers on the move, and I’d urge people to plan ahead by checking National Rail Enquiries, so they know what to expect from their individual journey."

Reflecting on potential disruption caused by the works, Jacqueline Dey, Chiltern Railways operations director, said: "Numerous projects along our routes in Warwickshire and Oxfordshire will affect customer's travel plans between 29 July and 6 August.

"We will be keeping people on the move, with rail replacement buses in operation between Banbury/Leamington and Bicester North, as well as between Oxford and Oxford Parkway. Customers should ensure they check their full journey before they travel and give themselves enough time to get to their destination.

"This is a significant and complex closure, with various improvement projects being undertaken during the working week. We'd like to thank customers for their understanding and patience while these essential works are completed."