Train services on the Midland Main Line will be subject to disruption this weekend, Saturday, 19th and Sunday, 20th March because of engineering work.

Between Luton and Bedford, engineers will be upgrading the overhead line equipment south of Bedford in connection with Midland Main Line Upgrade. This is part of the largest upgrade to the Midland Main Line since it was completed in 1870. The work will help to deliver better, more reliable journeys for passengers, and ultimately connect people to more job, education, and leisure opportunities.

On Saturday, 19th March limited services will run between Luton and Bedford, but on Sunday, 20th March, buses will replace all trains between the two towns. Passengers should check with National Rail or their train operator before travelling.

Further work is planned for several weekends this year, which will entail the closure of the railway so that Network Rail teams can boost the power supply safely.

At Kettering and Wellingborough, work will take place to enhance the historic platform canopies. While this is being done, rail replacement bus services will operate between Kettering and Corby.

Gary Walsh, East Midlands Route Director for Network Rail, said: “We’re at a really exciting stage of the Midland Main Line Upgrade, which will see us boost the power supply south of Bedford and take us one step closer to delivering better, more reliable journeys for passengers.

“Although we’ve packaged multiple projects together to keep disruption to a minimum, I’d advise anybody who needs to travel to check their journey in advance as there will be some changes to train services.”

Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director for East Midlands Railway, said: “This work is another important step in creating a more modern and reliable railway for our customers. Any customers planning to travel on the 19th and 20th of March are advised to check our website and plan their journey in advance, as we will be running a bus replacement service between Corby and Kettering, as well as between Bedford and Luton.

“We would like to thank customers for their patience whilst these important engineering works are taking place.”
Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “All day on Saturday and Sunday this coming weekend, buses will replace our Thameslink trains between Bedford and Luton, with journeys taking up to 30 minutes longer. If you’re one of those affected, then please allow yourself extra time to travel. Thank you for your understanding.”

Service alterations

East Midlands Railway:

From 23:00 on Saturday, 19th March and all day on Sunday, 20th March, buses will replace trains between:

• Corby and Kettering
• Bedford and Luton

A shuttle train service will run between Luton and London St Pancras International.

Thameslink:

All day on Saturday, 19th March and Sunday, 20th March, buses replace trains between Bedford and Luton, with journeys extended by up to 30 minutes.