Overview
- The West Coast Main Line will be closed between Preston and Carlisle from January 1–14, 2026, for Clifton Bridge replacement, with the M6 shut between Junctions 39 and 40 on the first two weekends.
- Avanti plans a roughly two-hourly Preston–Carlisle shuttle using the non-electrified Settle–Carlisle route, with detailed timetables due in early October.
- Because the line lacks overhead wires, Avanti will deploy its bi-mode Class 805 Evero trains capable of running on electric or diesel power.
- Passengers traveling to Scotland from London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester will be advised to go via the East Coast Main Line, and buses will replace trains for Lancaster, Oxenholme and Penrith.
- Trains will route via Blackburn and Clitheroe to join the Settle–Carlisle at Hellifield and will run non-stop for passengers between Preston and Carlisle, following an August trial with a 10-car Evero.