Network Rail is using holiday periods for its track programme

Sections of several key rail lines will be closed for major engineering works, Network Rail has announced.

The East coast mainline, a section between Paddington and Exeter, and lines between Stockport and Manchester will be subject to delays and closures.

Network Rail defended the timing, insisting fewer people travel once the Christmas holiday season is under way.

Tens of thousands of dedicated railway staff will be...forgoing their Christmas lunch to undertake some massive engineering tasks John Armitt, Network Rail

Staff and contractors will work intensively on track and points renewals, tunnel repairs and signalling works during the traditional two-day closure on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

But work is set to continue towards New Year, said the company.

"Tens of thousands of dedicated railway staff will be hard at work over the festive break, forgoing their Christmas lunch to undertake some massive engineering tasks," said Network Rail chief executive John Armitt.

Disruption

The Great Western main line will be closed between Taunton and Tiverton from 25 December until 30 December, inclusive.

On the same days the West coast main line will be closed between Stockport and Manchester, while the line's Stafford-Crewe section is currently closed until 2 January.

Services will be delayed on the East Coast main line between 25 and 28 December, due to points renewal and replacement work at Welwyn Garden City.

And a bridge replacement scheme at Clapham Junction will affect routes to Sussex until the line reopens on 28 December.

Network Rail said alternative travel arrangements, such as replacement buses and diversions, would keep disruption to an "absolute minimum".

The work is "essential to the continued maintenance and renewal needed on the nation's infrastructure," added Mr Armitt.

A spokesman for First Great Western said: "We will be running our trains via alternative routes.

"Some journeys may take up to one-and-a-half hours longer than usual.

"We would advise that people check with National Rail Enquires helpline to check the amended timings of trains."