Network Rail is set to deliver a series of essential engineering projects across Scotland and the West Coast Main Line over the 2025-2026 festive period, taking advantage of typically lower passenger numbers.

The works are part of Network Rail’s commitment to improving the reliability and safety of the railway. Major projects are scheduled between Christmas Eve and mid-January in and around Glasgow and on the West Coast Main Line.

Key planned engineering activities include:

• New Railway Bridge at Bowling: Installation of a new railway bridge in West Dunbartonshire. This work will take place between Tuesday, 24 December and Thursday, 2 January.

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• Track Upgrades in Motherwell: Renewing track in the Motherwell area, also running from Tuesday, 24 December to Thursday, 2 January.

• M6 Bridge Replacement: Replacing a 1960s bridge over the M6 motorway in England, affecting the Glasgow to London Euston route from Wednesday, 31 December to Thursday, 15 January.

• Hanslope Junction Replacement: Replacing a worn-out junction at Hanslope on the West Coast Main Line between Christmas Day and Sunday, 5 January.

Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, confirmed the upgrades are "essential to keep the railway safe and reliable for the future" and thanked the engineering teams who will be working through the festive period to deliver the improvements.

The full programme of work allows Network Rail to make best use of the quieter festive period to maintain and upgrade the railway.