In a rail yard near Milton Keynes, workers in orange outfits are diligently preparing large slabs of railway track for imminent installation over the Christmas and New Year holidays. While many take a break to celebrate with family and friends, the rail industry uses this time to execute significant engineering projects and upgrades, deploying teams like these orange-clad workers in force. Carl Foy, a seasoned rail worker, has spent roughly 20 out of his 27 career Christmases on duty, often alongside his two sons, who are also in the rail industry. Despite friends questioning his sanity, Carl accepts this as just part of the job. 'We bring in a few mince pies, and the site offices might have some tinsel around,' he shares. 'We make it as enjoyable as we can and just crack on with the work.'
Their task this Christmas is a staggering £26 million project at Hanslope Junction, a vital segment of the West Coast Main Line that has been deteriorating. Handling nearly 500 trains daily, the junction's faults have been causing extensive delays. Therefore, all four tracks are undergoing re-laying—a complex operation involving 130 track panels that can't happen while trains are operational. This will disrupt services between Milton Keynes and Rugby, and Milton Keynes and Northampton from late Christmas Eve to the morning of January 5. Consequently, direct trains connecting London Euston to the northwest of England and Scotland will be impacted for 11 consecutive days. Similar projects, like updating signaling technology, are happening nationwide. Overall, 5% of the rail network will be unavailable during the festive period, part of a £160 million set of engineering projects managed by Network Rail.
Many of these projects aren't routine maintenance but substantial undertakings planned far in advance, supported by Network Rail's five-year business plans. Given the inconvenience caused to millions traveling across the country, why choose this time for such works? Is it sensible planning or indicative of broader issues within Britain's rail network?
At London Euston Station in the lead-up to Christmas, passengers quickly express their frustrations. 'My sister-in-law is struggling to find a train,' one woman shares, noting multiple changes and extended travel times, leading her relative to adjust her travel plans. Another considers driving to the north of England instead of risking disrupted train travel. 'There are fewer commuters over Christmas, so it makes sense, but it's frustrating when you're trying to see family and friends.'
The debate about scheduling railworks over Christmas is multifaceted. For rail planners, the minimal impact on weekday commuters justifies the timing, as businesses typically close over the festive season. Consequently, the rail industry seeks to maximize work during this period, balancing logistical needs against passenger disruptions.