To enable replacement of a rail bridge at Clifton, south of Penrith there will be a full line closure between the above dates.
Service plans are being worked up, and diversionary routes being reviewed.
But it is likely that Avanti trains from Euston to Glasgow and Edinburgh will be terminated at Preston and restarted from Carlisle with bus replacement in between.
Trans Pennine may be able to run to Lancaster or Oxenholme for the buses.
In addition the M6 will have a full closure between Junction 39 and 40 on 2 to 5 and 9 to 12 January, with traffic diverted onto the A6- deep joy.