Upgrade works will take place between Kings Norton and Longbridge later this month IMPROVEMENT works on the Cross City line through Birmingham will mean more reliable journeys for passengers in Redditch, says Network Rail. Rail users are being warned about upgrade works to the line between Kings Norton and Longbridge which will affect services this month. Railway drainage and track foundation stone, or ballast, will be upgraded on Sunday, March 28. The essential track improvements will mean more reliable journeys for passengers on the line which connects Redditch and Bromsgrove with Lichfield via Birmingham New Street. Martin Colmey, operations director at Network Rail, said: “These essential Cross City line upgrades are part of Network Rail’s commitment to get the railway in the best possible shape as the country emerges from the coronavirus lockdown.