Rail upgrades mean no trains between Bedford and London over next two weekends

Network Rail has issued the following press release.

A significant package of railway improvement work will affect journeys between Bedford and London over the next two weekends.

Network Rail engineers will be working at various locations along the southern section of the Midland Main Line on 20-21 and 27-28 June. Passengers should plan ahead and check before they travel, as journeys are likely to involve a bus or may take a different route.

Among the projects being carried out are:

refurbishing switches and crossings – the sections of track which allow trains to switch between lines – at West Hampstead to improve the reliability of the equipment.

renewing 1km of track in north London – 600 metres at Hendon and 400 metres at Belsize Tunnel – for smoother, more reliable journeys.

installing new switches and crossings and electronics as part of a rail junction being constructed at Radlett Strategic Freight Interchange

renewing more than 1.2km of drainage at Harlington, Bedfordshire to prevent flooding, protect the railway and support safer, more reliable services

Further progress on the Access for All project at Luton station, where an accessible footbridge and three lifts are being constructed. Piling and excavation work is under way in preparation for the new bridge being installed.

The work means that over both weekends, Thameslink will have no trains running between Bedford and London.

Rail replacement buses will run between:

Bedford and Luton

Luton Airport Parkway and Hitchin via Luton

Harpenden and Potters Bar via St Albans

Luton and London

Trains will run to an amended timetable between London King’s Cross and Peterborough/Cambridge (see Notes to Editor).

East Midlands Railway services between Sheffield/Derby/Nottingham/Corby and London St Pancras International will operate between Sheffield/Derby/Nottingham/Corby and Bedford only. Rail replacement buses will operate between Bedford and Hitchin to connect to alternative train services to London.

Dan Matthews, Network Rail operations director, said:

“We’re carrying out a significant programme of upgrades along the Midland Main Line over the coming weekends to make journeys more reliable and resilient for passengers and freight. This includes renewing track, improving drainage to reduce the risk of flooding, upgrading key track components, and continuing work to make stations more accessible.

“We’re sorry to anyone whose journey will be affected and we thank passengers for their patience while we carry out our work. We’re urging anyone travelling on the affected dates to check before they travel and allow extra time for journeys.”

A spokesperson for Thameslink and East Midlands Railway said:

“We’re working closely together and with Network Rail to keep customers moving while these essential upgrades are carried out. During the work, services will be amended and rail replacement buses will be in operation to help passengers complete their journeys. We strongly encourage customers to plan ahead, check before they travel and allow extra time, as journeys will take longer than usual.”