Fewer trains will be stopping at both Bushey station and Harrow & Wealdstone as major upgrades take place.

It is said 34 projects will take place along the West Coast Main Line between Saturday (March 20) and March 31, which will upgrade drainage, track and signalling equipment.

This amount of work would normally take three years of consecutive overnight weekend shifts to complete and cost around £19.8million.

But with fewer passengers travelling under lockdown, Network Rail has teamed up with train operators to close two of the four railway lines, allowing for major upgrades all at once.

As a result, London Northwestern Railway will run an amended timetable with fewer services stopping at Bushey and Harrow & Wealdstone.

The upgrades include:

• Drainage improvements in the Victorian-built Kensal Green Tunnel to prevent delays from flooding during bad weather

• Major track renewals between Primrose Hill and Willesden Junction

• Installation of new signalling equipment

• Removal of graffiti and scrap metal from beside the railway

By conducting the major upgrades over 11 days, it will bring costs down to £6m – saving the taxpayer £13.8m.

Lawrence Bowman, customer experience director for London Northwestern Railway, said: “We know how highly our customers value a reliable service and these important track improvements will make a real difference and reduce the likelihood of disruption in the future. Our trains will run to an amended timetable during the work, with fewer trains calling at Bushey and Harrow & Wealdstone.

"I advise passengers making essential journeys during this period to check their travel plans in advance and leave extra time if necessary.”

James Dean, Network Rail West Coast Main Line South route director, said:

“This rare opportunity to do all of this work in one go shows how the rail industry is coming together to get the West Coast main line in the best possible shape for passengers when they can return as part of our commitment to build back better.

“For those who are still travelling by rail for reasons permitted by government, I’d urge people to check National Rail Enquiries before they set off on their journey so they know what to expect.”

Passengers travelling between March 20 to 30 are urged to check before travelling at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operator.