Passengers travelling between London Euston and Scotland via the West Coast Main Line are being advised to plan ahead, as a major stretch of the railway between Rugby and Stafford will be closed for essential upgrades from Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June.

Network Rail will use the nine-day closure to carry out a series of vital improvements designed to boost the reliability and resilience of one of the UK's busiest rail corridors.

Key works include:

• Installation of new track and railway ballast near Atherstone

• Waterproofing a bridge over the River Anker near Tamworth station to guard against future weather-related damage

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• Critical embankment repairs between the Great Haywood and Shugborough Conservation Area and Cannock Chase to bolster the railway’s weather defences

• Footbridge repairs at Rugeley Trent Valley station

The upgrades are part of a long-term effort to ensure smoother journeys and a more dependable service for both passengers and freight.

Due to the scale of the work, no direct trains will operate on the Trent Valley line between Rugby and Stafford during the closure. Network Rail has confirmed that some services will be diverted and rail replacement buses will be in operation to help keep people moving. Travellers are strongly advised to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time.

Gary Walsh, director for Network Rail’s West Coast South route, said: "We know how important reliable rail services are for the communities and businesses we serve on the West Coast Main Line. Our essential improvements between Stafford and Rugby will help to deliver a smoother and more reliable railway for passengers and freight services.

"We're asking passengers to plan ahead at National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator and I'd like to thank everyone for their patience while we deliver these vital upgrades."