Network Rail and Great Northern are urging passengers to check before travelling this Easter as an essential project at Bowes Park takes place.
People should only travel if they have to, following government guidance, and stay at home if possible in order to help reduce the spread of coronavirus.
Over the Easter weekend, Network Rail will upgrade the track in and around Bowes Park station.
To allow this work to take place safely, no trains will be able to run on this section of the railway during this time. This means the following changes to services:
- On 11, 12 and 13 April, no trains will be able to run between Alexandra Palace and Stevenage via Hertford North. Bus replacement services will be in operation during this time.
The work taking place this weekend has been reviewed and will be carried out in line with social distancing guidelines.
What did the officials say?
Paul Rutter, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast Route, said:
“This is an essential project, which is why we are continuing with it over the Easter weekend. The project will create a more reliable and resilient railway with fewer delays, as well as improve passenger experience through smoother journeys.
“This work will be carried out in line with Covid-19 guidance and we would urge all those making essential journeys on the Hertford North line over the bank holiday weekend to check their journey ahead of time via National ail Enquiries or with Great Northern Railway.
“We would like to reassure those who cannot work from home that the coach replacement service which is in place will keep them moving and we thank all those impacted for their patience.”
Keith Jipps, Infrastructure Director for Govia Thameslink Railway, said:
“Network Rail’s vital track renewal work will improve journeys on Great Northern services between Stevenage and Moorgate via Hertford North, and we thank passengers who have to travel over the Easter weekend for their patience. We continue to urge people to travel only if it is absolutely essential, and to check journey planners before they set off.”
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Responses
Some of the stations on the Hertford Loop Line (Alexandra Palace-Stevenage) have shorter platforms which can accommodate 6-Car Class 717s which replaced the Class 313s. Could those stations have platforms extended to accommodate 8-Car trains (Class 700/0 & Class 387).
Stations includes:
North London:
Bowers Park
Palmers Green
Winchmore Hill
Grange Park
Enfield Chase
Gordon Hill
Crews Hill
South & East Hertfordshire:
Cuffley
Bayford
Hertford North
Watton-at-Stone
And for Great Northern to operate the London King’s Cross-Hertford North service.