Network Rail are warning passengers and motorists of disruption because of a fault with three level crossings on the Marston Vale line in Bedfordshire.
An investigation is underway to find out why the train detection system is not working as it should at the level crossings in Marston, Green Lane in Stewartby, and Kempston Hardwick.
To keep trains running as far as Stewartby, Marston level crossing has been closed to road traffic, and Green Lane is being manually operated.
The railway has been closed between Stewartby and Bedford with London Northwestern Railway providing replacement buses to allow passengers to complete their journey.
From Monday, a revised timetable will see rail services running to Bedford, but Kempston Hardwick level crossing will then also be closed to road users.
What did the officials say?
James Dean, director for Network Rail‘s West Coast Mainline South route, said:
“We’re sorry to passengers and road users affected by problems with three level crossings on the Marston Vale line. Investigations are underway with the level crossing manufacturer and London Northwestern Railway to find out why the automatic system which lowers the crossing barriers is not working as it should.
“To keep passengers and road users safe closing some roads and the suspension of the line between Stewartby and Bedford is necessary. We thank people for their patience while we work as fast as we can to get the level crossings working normally again.”
Lawrence Bowman, customer experience director for London Northwestern Railway, which operates services on the Marston Vale Line, said:
“We apologise to our customers for the ongoing disruption to journeys on the Marston Vale Line while Network Rail engineers continue to work in the affected area.
“The safety of our passengers and staff is of paramount importance and we cannot allow trains to run until we receive the all-clear.
“Passengers are advised to check live travel information before setting out and to leave more time for their journeys, particularly if they are travelling between Stewartby and Bedford.”
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Responses
As London Northwestern Railway has 3 Class 230s used on the Marston Vale Line. They could of ordered like 2 more Class 230s and are based at Bletchley where they are maintained there. Or are they maintained at Bedford Cauldwell depot where Thameslink Class 700s are based at.