Passengers travelling with CrossCountry this weekend are being encouraged to plan ahead and check journeys in advance with planned engineering work across the rail network significantly impacting certain routes between Saturday 29 and Monday 31 August.

On Sunday (30 August), planned track improvements between Wolverhampton and Stafford will mean that bus replacement services will be in operation between Wolverhampton, Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent.

Additionally, there will be longer journey times and changes to services on multiple CrossCountry routes, in particular those through Birmingham - with HS2-related work closing the railway line between Birmingham New Street and Coleshill Parkway.

CrossCountry said: "The work will see engineers install part of a new viaduct over the railway near Water Orton.

"The existing structure is being rebuilt to accommodate the future HS2 railway while also improving facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

"Engineering work elsewhere on the network is expected to increase demand for CrossCountry services as customers look for alternative routes to and from London.

"Strike action by other operators will also mean reduced levels of service in some places."

This bank holiday weekend will see people from across the country travelling to sports events, Manchester Pride and Reading Festival and Leeds Festival, meaning trains are likely to be busy.

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Mark Anderson, CrossCountry's Customer & Commercial Director, said: "This essential engineering work will help keep the railway resilient and ready for the future, ensuring passengers can continue to enjoy smooth and reliable journeys.

"From Saturday 29 until Monday 31 August, journeys through Birmingham New Street will take longer, with some journeys also requiring rail replacement bus services.

"We'd like to thank customers for their patience while this work takes place.

"I'd ask customers to leave more time for their journeys and make sure they don't bring too much luggage - trolleys, in particular, won't be allowed on board CrossCountry services."

For more information visit the CrossCountry website or app.