Train users facing delays as Midland Main Line upgrade work begins
Passengers are being advised to plan their weekend journeys in advance during ongoing work to electrify the Midland Main Line this September.
Those travelling between the East Midlands and London will be facing delays on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September and on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September due to work to upgrade existing overhead lines which power trains and track and install new switches and crosses south of Bedford.
Network Rail says, when complete, the south of Bedford upgrade will allow East Midlands Railway (EMR) to run its new fleet of electric trains up to 125mph in the future.
While the work is carried out, EMR and Thameslink will be operating a revised train service, with buses replacing all trains between Luton and Bedford.
Gavin Crook, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail’s East Midlands route said: “Upgrading the overhead line equipment and installing new switches and crosses is vital in the wider Midland Main Line electrification project to bring passengers smoother journeys.
“We are also upgrading track as part of the Agar Grove bridge project which is a crucial step in our preparation work for December.
“We would like to thank rail users for their patience and understanding while we carry out this work and we advise passengers to check their journey before they travel so they are up to date with the latest information.”
Philippa Cresswell, customer service director for East Midlands Railway, said: “We recommend customers planning to travel to or from London on 21, 22, 28 or 29 September to check their journeys in advance by looking for updates on the EMR website.
“We are working closely with Network Rail to keep customers moving throughout the engineering work, and EMR services will be running where possible, however journey times may be longer than normal with rail replacement buses and amended timetables in place.
“We would like to thank our customers for their patience whilst the vital signalling work on the Midland Mainline takes place. This work will greatly benefit our customers in the future with more reliable journeys to and from London.”
