there was “never a good time” to carry out major engineering work.
Birmingham New Street will have no train services running to or from the station during Christmas because of major engineering works.
Network Rail has confirmed that services will be suspended from December 24 until December 28.
The five-day closure will allow engineers to begin a £13 million upgrade of the station’s overhead power lines, with sections of the existing equipment dating back to the 1960s.
The work is part of a wider three-year programme designed to improve reliability across the railway network and reduce disruption caused by ageing infrastructure.
Martin Colmey, route director for Network Rail’s Central route, said there was “never a good time” to carry out major engineering work.
He added that Christmas had been chosen because it is generally a quieter period for rail travel, although the disruption will still affect passengers.
The December work will mark the first stage of the programme, with additional upgrades planned during the Christmas periods in 2027 and 2028.
Passengers travelling during the closure have been warned that their journeys could take longer than usual.
Some travellers may need to use dedicated rail-replacement buses, while others could be directed towards regular local bus services or alternative transport providers.
Network Rail has encouraged passengers to plan their journeys before travelling, particularly as the closure will cover several days around Christmas.
Colmey said passengers would receive clear information once Christmas tickets become available, allowing them to consider their travel options before making their journeys.
Christmas rail timetables are expected to be confirmed and published online from early October.
Although trains will not operate from Birmingham New Street, the station building itself will remain open throughout the engineering works.
Passengers will still be able to access shops within the station, including Grand Central, as well as Birmingham city centre.
Facilities such as the assisted travel lounge and toilets will also remain available during the closure.
Staff will be present at the station each day to provide assistance and help passengers understand their alternative travel options.
The disruption could affect people travelling into Birmingham for Christmas shopping, family visits and other festive activities.
Passengers are therefore being advised to check their journeys carefully before travelling and allow additional time if using public transport during the closure.
Information about the closure and alternative travel arrangements will be published through National Rail when the plans are confirmed.
Network Rail says the long-term upgrades are intended to improve the reliability of services by replacing older overhead power infrastructure.
The Christmas closure will therefore form part of a wider programme of work aimed at modernising the railway around one of the busiest stations in the country.
