Passengers are being urged to plan ahead after it was announced that Birmingham New Street station will be closed to train services for five days over Christmas as part of a major £13 million upgrade programme.

No trains will run to or from the station from Thursday 24 December to Monday 28 December 2026 while Network Rail carries out work to replace ageing overhead power lines on the approaches to and through the station.

The project will see engineers renew complex sections of wiring, much of which dates back to the 1960s, as part of a long-term plan to improve reliability across the rail network.

The Christmas closure marks the first phase of a three-year programme, with further work scheduled during the festive periods of 2027 and 2028.

Passengers will still be able to make journeys during the works, but travel is expected to take longer and may involve rail replacement buses or alternative local transport services.

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.

"Christmas is a quieter time but we know it will affect journeys at an important time of the year.

"We want to make people aware as early as possible so they can plan ahead."

Although train services will not operate, Birmingham New Street station itself will remain open throughout the engineering works, allowing people to access shops within Grand Central and travel through the city centre.

Station facilities, including toilets and the assisted travel lounge, will also remain open, with staff available to help passengers.

Network Rail said more information about alternative travel arrangements, replacement bus services and revised journey times will be published here once plans are finalised.

Christmas rail timetables are expected to be available from early October.

Train services are due to resume on Tuesday 29 December 2026.