WITH just one week to go, London Midland is reminding passengers that the railway between Barnt Green and Redditch will close for eight weeks from this Sunday, July 6 to Sunday, August 31.

Customers who use this section of the rail network will need to review their travel plans. Replacement bus services will be put in place, connecting rail passengers with their usual Cross City rail service further down the line. As a general guide, passengers are advised to add 30 minutes to their usual travel time.

The buses will run from Redditch train station, the Red Lion public house in Alvechurch and the train station car park at Barnt Green. Passengers who would normally travel between Barnt Green and Birmingham will not be affected by the line closure.

Customers travelling from Birmingham to either Alvechurch or Redditch will need to leave the train at Longbridge and join the replacement bus services for onward travel.

Customers who prefer not to make the short connecting journey by bus are advised to drive to Longbridge where they can join their usual Cross City service. Ample car parking is available, just a short walk from the station, priced at £1.50 all day.

Mark Goodall, London Midland’s head of Cross City services said, “I apologise to passengers for the temporary disruption they will face.

“The great news is that there are clear benefits for Cross City passengers in the future, with three trains per hour from December instead of the current two”.

The additional rail services are made possible thanks to a £24.5 million investment from Network Rail. Their work programme, which will be carried out during the eight week closure, includes the installation of a new 3.2 kilometre section of track – which acts as a passing loop. Alvechurch station will also be transformed, with a new platform, footbridge, waiting shelter, CCTV and lifts.

Liam Sumpter, area director for Network Rail, said: “These improvements will provide a more frequent and reliable rail service for passengers, allowing additional trains to serve Alvechurch and Redditch every hour. We are also making improvements to Alvechurch station which will have better facilities and be fully accessible for the first time.

“Combined with electrification, resignalling, linespeed improvements and a new station at Bromsgrove, £100m is being invested in the railway in north Worcestershire to provide a better service and facilities for passengers. “Passengers are advised to always check before they travel to and from Redditch for the latest information.”

For more information about the work programme and how this will affect you, visit www.londonmidland.com/redditch.