Network Rail invite Euxton residents to public meeting to discuss impact of major railway works

'Essential upgrades' are planned for the West Coast Main Line in Lancashire, with the bulk of the works centred on Euxton Junction, near Chorley.

Network Rail said a major track overhaul on Euxton Junction will take place over a number of weekends this spring.

The works are expected to bring disruption to services at Euxton Balshaw Lane railway station.

Residents near the railway have received a letter inviting them to attend a public meeting to discuss the the work and its potential impact on residents.

The meeting is open to everyone and will take place at Charnock Farm in Wigan Road, Leyland between 4pm and 7pm tonight (Tuesday, February 25).

People will have the opportunity to see the plans and discuss the work in more detail, and Network Rail workers will be on hand to answer any questions residents might have.

Railway works will take at Euxton Junction on the following weekends

10 – 13 April (Easter weekend)

2 - 3 May (First weekend in May)

9 – 10 May (after VE Day bank holiday Friday)

23 – 25 May (Late May bank holiday weekend)

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "This spring, Network Rail will be carrying out essential upgrades to the West Coast Main Line between London Euston, the North West and Scotland to improve reliability for future train services and to help prepare the way for HS2.

"A large programme of work is planned to be delivered over a number of weekends this spring."

What type of disruption can rail passengers expect at Euxton Junction?

National Rail said passengers using Euxton Balshaw Lane railway station are likely to face some disruption to their journeys during this period.

But most of the work is expected to take place at night and during weekends, when fewer trains are running.

It said people might have to travel from different stations, by alternative routes, with different train companies or by using rail replacement buses for the duration of the works.

Tim Shoveller, managing director for Network Rail’s North West and Central region, said: "There’s never a perfect time to close parts of the railway to make improvements, but bank holidays and weekends are the quietest times when the fewest people use the railway.

"We work closely with our industry colleagues to get as much work done as possible during the closures and minimise its impact on people’s journeys."

Network Rail has been approached for further details on which services are likely to be affected.