Railway passengers are being advised to check before they travel this bank holiday weekend due to improvement works being carried out on the West Coast mainline on Merseyside and in the West Midlands.

The works come as part of a multi-million-pound investment and will see signalling upgrade in Liverpool, and multiple upgrades resulting in the closure of the railway between Rugby and Coventry** between Saturday, August 29 and Monday, August 31.

Passengers are being warned to expect changes to their usual journey and urged to check www.nationalrail.co.uk/westcoast to see how their trip will be impacted.

Jake Kelly, passenger director for Network Rail, said: “We know there is never a good time to close the railway, but when we do, we try to get as much work done as possible.

“This August bank holiday is no exception, with essential Railway Upgrade Plan work taking place to improve freight and passenger journeys in the West Midlands and on Merseyside.

“I’d urge people to plan ahead of this major work. In particular, I’d advise those planning to travel from Birmingham to London to try to travel before the closure of the railway between Rugby and Coventry if possible.

“Please check National Rail Enquiries for the latest information and be prepared for your journey to be very different to how it is normally.”

People who have to travel by rail between August 29 and 31 should plan and be prepared for changes to their usual journey if travelling on the affected sections of the West Coast mainline.

Social distancing measures will see queuing systems in place when boarding services in some stations.

There will also be less space on trains and replacement buses.

Travellers must wear a face covering on train services and any replacement bus services. Those who fail to do so risk being fined £100.

However, some people are exempt, including young children and people with hidden disabilities or breathing difficulties.

For more information visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers

Please check www.nationalrail.co.uk for the latest travel information.