Passengers and residents in Stone are being advised of upcoming railway upgrade works as part of a £7 million-plus investment to improve safety, performance, and long-term reliability on the West Coast Main Line.

Planned to coincide with the summer school holidays, the works include the refurbishment of the River Trent Viaduct, track replacement at Stone station, and the renewal of three local level crossings. The project is part of a wider £23 million upgrade programme stretching from Staffordshire to Stockport, where reduced train traffic during August allows for intensive improvement works to be carried out simultaneously.

The level crossing upgrades in Stone will result in temporary road closures at the following locations:

• Meaford level crossing: Closed from 21:00 on Sunday 10 August to 18:00 on Tuesday 12 August

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• Church Lane level crossing: Closed overnight from 22:00 on Tuesday 12 August to 06:00 on Wednesday 13 August, and again from 22:00 on Wednesday 13 August to 06:00 on Thursday 14 August. A pedestrian route will be maintained at all times, with emergency access available.

• Aston-by-Stone level crossing: Closed from 07:00 on Thursday 14 August to 08:00 on Saturday 16 August

Network Rail has engaged with the local community to ensure that residents' views were taken into account during the planning of the works, particularly regarding the level crossing upgrades.

Further north, between 2 August and the morning of 23 August 2025, there will be no trains through Stockport while Network Rail replaces the bridge that carries the Greek Street roundabout over the railway line. With around 50 miles of track between Staffordshire and Stockport largely clear of train traffic, Network Rail will capitalise on the opportunity to carry out multiple essential upgrades.

Passengers travelling between Colwich and Manchester Piccadilly in August are being urged to plan ahead, as services will be affected. Some trains will be diverted, and others will be replaced with buses. Passengers are advised to check the latest travel information at www.nationalrail.co.uk before travelling.

The upgrades are designed to reduce the risk of disruption, eliminate the need for future speed restrictions, and enhance the railway’s long-term resilience for both passenger and freight services. By combining multiple projects into a concentrated work period, Network Rail aims to minimise future closures and limit disruption to communities along the route.