Finding out about engineering works in advance

katejo

I find it frustrating that UK train companies only release Advance tickets about 8 weeks in advance. I can't risk booking a UK walking holiday in July (for example) because the tickets won't be released until about May. I could find that the line will be totally suspended so I have to cancel the trip. Is there a web site which gives advanced info about planned engineering work? I don't mind waiting to buy my train tickets if I know that the service will definitely run. As it is, those who drive get the best choice of rooms.

cookie365

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/currentAndFuture.aspx

katejo

cookie365 wrote: »

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/currentAndFuture.aspx

Thanks but this still only covers up to May 1st (at the moment). I will have to wait a bit longer.

TBagpuss

I don't think they sell advance tickets if there is going to be engineering works. I know before christmas I couldn't book advance tickets or reserve seats for GWR trains to Paddington. There was nothing on the website to say why but when I asked on the GWR ticket office at Paddington (because at that point I thought it was a website hitch) they said it was because planned crossrail works meant they couldn't finalise the timetables.

It may be worth contacting the relevant train company directly and asking whether they are expecting to have any major works - they probably won't tell you exact dates but may be able to tell you whether there are likely to be any complete suspensions of the line you are interested in.

martindow

katejo wrote: »

Thanks but this still only covers up to May 1st (at the moment). I will have to wait a bit longer.

It may be worth looking at the website of the rail company involved. GWR for instance go up to June

https://www.gwr.com/travel-updates/planned-engineering

elverson

Weekend engineering works can be very complicated. On the Friday night you need to get specialist machinery and overnight staff to the worksite (possibly miles from the nearest town or road access), do the work within the limited time, and hand the track back in one piece for the Monday morning trains. The train company then has to redesign the timetable and possibly commission replacement buses and drivers. All of this takes time which is why the timetable isn't set in stone until 12 weeks before.