Piling work is taking place at Euxton Junction

As you’re tucking into your Christmas dinner spare a thought for those preparing to head out into the night.

Network Rail is doing overnight work for three nights to bring in new overhead line equipment to allow electric trains to run between Preston and Manchester, via Bolton.

The Euxton Junction works see no trains running early in the morning on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Work takes place between midnight and 9am on Christmas Eve into Christmas Day, Christmas Day into Boxing Day and until 5am Boxing Day into Tuesday (27 December) morning.

Read more: Preston to Blackpool railway upgrade plan

Noel Connolly from Network Rail said: “We understand that piling work is noisy activity and we would like to thank local residents in advance for their patience and understanding. The completion of this phase is vital in order to get the railway ready for faster, cleaner and quieter trains, part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan to provide a better railway for passengers in the north west.

“Railway closures on Christmas Day and Boxing Day allow us to complete more work at Euxton Junction in one go, which will mean we can complete the majority of piling work in this area over three nights, rather than a number of weeks. We are mindful that we are working near people’s homes at Christmas time and will do everything we can to keep noise levels to minimum.”

Watch an explanation of the Preston to Blackpool work

Electric trains are due to be in operation on the line from December 2017.

Anyone with questions can visit the Network Rail website or call the national helpline on 03457114141.