Network Rail is carrying out major track upgrades at Harbury tunnel between Leamington Spa and Banbury over two weekends in September.

Passengers using the Chiltern main line to travel between Birmingham, Oxford and London will soon benefit from smoother, more reliable journeys.

The £600,000 investment will see 550 metres of new track installed on:

• Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September

• Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September

Passengers are being advised that for the track to be replaced some sections of the Chiltern main line will need to close.

Denise Wetton, Network Rail's Central route director, said: "These major track improvements to the Chiltern main line will mean better, smoother and more reliable journeys for passengers and freight in future.

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"However, replacing track like this means we have no choice but to close sections of railway for old sections to be ripped up and replaced with new. I’d urge anyone planning to travel over the next two weekends in September to please check National Rail Enquiries to plan their journeys. I’d also like to thank passengers in advance for their patience."

On the Chiltern main line between Birmingham and London, trains will continue to operate between:

• Birmingham Snow Hill and Leamington Spa

• Banbury and London Marylebone

Jacqueline Dey, operations director at Chiltern Railways, said: "We will ensure that customers are well-informed about the short-term impact these significant improvements will have on their journeys, and thank customers in advance for their patience while these vital works take place.

"Network Rail's track improvements on the Chiltern main line will improve customer experience and ensure that our railway is fit for purpose as passenger demand continues to increase post-pandemic."