There will be no festive break for around 200 Network Rail workers who will spend their Christmas upgrading points at Peterborough.

The work will take place when no timetabled trains are running on Christmas Day and Boxing Day so that teams can carry out the improvements safely before trains resume.

Engineers will work around the clock to renew sections of track and points at a railway junction just north of Peterborough station. They will start after the last train on Christmas Eve has passed and finish before the first service on Monday, 27 December.

The work will help to minimise points failures in the area, which can lead to disruption to services on both the East Coast Main Line, and the slower Stamford lines.

Further work will take place overnight on Saturday, 1 January to renew more of the track in the area, whilst engineers will also adjust the overhead line equipment to ensure it aligns with the new track.

On Sunday, 2 January, some early morning services will be disrupted and buses will replace Thameslink trains between Peterborough and Hitchin until 07:30. Passengers should check their journey beforehand via National Rail Enquiries and allow additional time. People are also reminded to continue following Government guidance and wear a face covering on public transport, unless they are exempt.

Rob Anthony, Programme Delivery Manager for Network Rail, said: “Upgrading the points and track in Peterborough on Christmas Day and Boxing Day means that we can carry out most of the improvements without impacting on passengers.

“I’m looking forward to working with my team over Christmas on this vital project so that train services can continue running safely and reliably for years to come.

“The complex project continues into the New Year and we’ve carefully planned it to minimise disruption as much as possible. Buses will connect passengers who need to travel on early morning services between Peterborough and Hitchin on Sunday 2 January.”