EXTENSIVE upgrades are coming to the Worcester to Hereford rail line as it is set to shut throughout half-term.
Passengers are being urged to plan ahead due to five days of railway upgrades set to disrupt services between the two cities from Monday, October 26, to Friday, October 30.
The works will include track renewal, drainage upgrades and signalling improvements, with 100 metres of track to be replaced between Henwick and Newlands level crossing, as well as upgrades at Ledbury.
Adam Checkley, engineering director for Network Rail’s Central route, said: “We know there is never a good time to close the railway, so we’re making the most of these five days to complete a wide range of essential improvements.
“By carrying out this work together during the half-term break, our teams can renew and maintain important parts of the railway while helping to keep services safe and reliable for years to come.
“I’d like to thank passengers for their patience and urge anyone travelling between Worcester and Hereford to check their journey before travel and allow extra time.”
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Additional maintenance will take place between Worcester Foregate Street and Ledbury, including vegetation clearance and signalling equipment replacement near Newlands.
(Image: Newsquest)
During the upgrade period, train services will be amended and rail replacement buses will operate on affected sections of the route.
Normal services are expected to resume on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
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Billy White, GWR’s station manager for Oxford and the North Cotswolds, said: “This important investment in rail improvements will enable us to maintain services for the communities we serve in the Herford and Worcester areas for year to come.
“Replacement road transport is planned between Hereford, Great Malvern and Worcester Shrub Hill, making journey times longer than usual as a result, so please plan ahead.”
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Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director at West Midlands Railway, said: “We thank our passengers for their patience while Network Rail carries out these essential track improvement works.
“An amended service will be in place between Birmingham and Worcester, with rail replacement in operation to connect customers with Hereford and Great Malvern.”
