Rail passengers faced significant disruption over the bank holiday weekend from Saturday 29 August until Monday 31 August 2026 due to extensive engineering works affecting CrossCountry routes. Key projects included HS2-related work closing the line between Birmingham New Street and Coleshill Parkway, as well as the installation of a new viaduct at Water Orton, Warwickshire.
Key Service Changes on CrossCountry Routes
The line closure between Birmingham New Street and Coleshill Parkway was part of the Saltley viaduct replacement, a crucial HS2 rail line project spanning a busy Midlands railway corridor. Additionally, track improvement work was scheduled between Wolverhampton and Stafford on Sunday, with replacement buses running
between Wolverhampton, Stafford, and Stoke-on-Trent to accommodate affected passengers.
Passenger Impact and Travel Advice
CrossCountry warned passengers to expect longer journey times through Birmingham New Street during the bank holiday weekend. Mark Anderson, CrossCountry’s customer and commercial director, advised customers to leave extra time for journeys, avoid bringing heavy luggage, and noted that trolleys would not be permitted on CrossCountry trains. Travellers were urged to check the latest travel information before starting their journeys.
Event-Driven Demand and Official Statements
The busy weekend coincided with major events including the Reading and Leeds Festivals and Manchester Village Pride, contributing to higher passenger numbers across the Midlands and other regions. Strike action by
other operators further exacerbated the disruption.
A CrossCountry spokesperson stated, “With a range of events and sporting fixtures taking place across the country, the bank holiday weekend is expected to be particularly busy, with thousands of revellers also travelling by train to and from Reading and Leeds Festivals, and to Manchester Village Pride.”
Patrick Cawley, director of On Network Works for Network Rail and HS2, explained the importance of the Saltley viaduct replacement for Britain’s new high-speed railway into Birmingham, thanking passengers for their patience and encouraging everyone to check travel information before travelling during the bank holiday weekend.
