No trains will run to or from the station between 24 and 28 December 2026 while Network Rail replaces overhead line equipment dating back to the 1960s.
Rail passengers are being urged to plan their Christmas journeys early, as Birmingham New Street will be closed to trains for five days over the festive period.
No trains will be able to operate to or from the station between Thursday 24 and Monday 28 December 2026 (inclusive) while Network Rail carries out major work to upgrade overhead power lines in and around the station.
The work will replace decades-old infrastructure and is intended to improve the long-term reliability of one of the country’s most important rail hubs.
The closure will affect CrossCountry services across its network. No CrossCountry trains will call at Birmingham New Street during the five days, with long-distance services diverted and rail replacement buses provided for journeys starting or ending at the station.
As nearly all CrossCountry services normally call at Birmingham New Street, the operator says the closure will have a significant impact on customers travelling to or from Birmingham on its routes over Christmas.
Mark Anderson, CrossCountry’s Customer and Commercial Director, said: “We know customers will be starting to plan and book their Christmas travel over the coming weeks, so we’re sharing this information early to help people make informed decisions about their journeys.
“This vital engineering work at Birmingham New Street will mean changes for CrossCountry customers between 24 and 28 December, and journey times may be longer than normal. While Christmas still feels a long way off, we want customers to be aware of the work and factor it into their plans where appropriate.
“We’re working closely with industry partners to ensure that journeys can continue as smoothly as possible while these essential upgrades take place.”
The work is the first phase of a three-year programme to replace overhead line equipment in and around the station, with further upgrades planned over Christmas in 2027 and 2028.
Martin Colmey, route director for Network Rail Central route, said: “Birmingham New Street is at the heart of the rail network, supporting millions of local, regional and national journeys every year.
“Much of the overhead line equipment dates back to the 1960s and needs to be replaced. This £13m investment has been carefully planned to make the railway more reliable.
“There is never a good time for this type of work and we have done all we can to reduce its impact as much as possible. We want to make people aware as early as possible so they can plan ahead.”
Station facilities, including the assisted travel lounge and toilets, will stay open while trains are not running, and staff will be on hand every day to help passengers.
Other planned engineering work across the network over Christmas may also affect some routes. Detailed information on rail replacement services will be published in the coming weeks.
The latest information on how the work may affect journeys, including timetable updates and travel advice, is available at www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/major-engineering-work-birmingham-new-street.
