Rail passengers are being warned of weekend closures between Shenfield and Liverpool Street this autumn, as preparations for Crossrail gather pace.

From September 17 to November 6, replacement bus services will operate as work to improve stations and tracks ahead of the new Elizabeth Line’s opening in December 2018 is carried out.

There will also be a reduced late-night TfL Rail service between Brentwood and Shenfield on Fridays, September 16 and 23, and weekdays from Monday, September 26 to Friday, November 4.

The work, which is being carried out by Network Rail and will affect both TfL and Abellio Greater Anglia services, will include remodelling the track at Shenfield and replacing overhead power lines.

Howard Smith, TfL’s Operations Director for TfL Rail, said: “I’d like to thank customers for their patience while the work is taking place and ask them to always check for updates before they travel.”

Richard Schofield, Network Rail’s route managing director for Anglia, said: “This autumn and winter will see some of the biggest and most crucial changes on this route for years. While I understand the inconvenience and disruption closing the railway causes, the initial and long-term benefits for passengers are huge.”

For full details of closures and replacement bus services, check networkrail.co.uk or tfl.gov.uk