Rail passengers are being urged to check before travelling if they are planning to use the Midland Main Line this Bank Holiday Weekend due to vital upgrades between Kentish Town and Radlett.

Between Saturday 23rd May and Tuesday 26th May, engineers will be working to replace a junction on the railway line, as well as working renewing 300 metres of track.

This work will make for a more reliable railway for passengers.

However, for the work to take place, there will be changes to trains for both East Midlands Railway and Thameslink.

• There will be no trains between Kettering and Corby, or between London St Pancras and Mill Hill Broadway.
  • Rail replacement bus services will be in operation.
• Trains to and from London St Pancras will run on an amended timetable.
• A reduced service will operate between Bedford and Harpenden / Mill Hill Broadway.
• East Midlands Railway trains will not call at Luton Airport or Luton Airport Parkway.

Gary Walsh, Route Director for Network Rail‘s East Midlands Route, said: “Over the Bank Holiday weekend, Network Rail teams will be out working to improve reliability on the Midland Main Line, something which is particularly important during the Covid-19 crisis as critical workers, such as doctors, nurses and supermarket workers, as well as freight services transporting medical and food supplies, rely on the railway. We strongly advise those who need to travel over the Bank Holiday weekend to check before travelling via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator and we would like to thank people for following the Government’s advice on public transport use. Please continue to avoid public transport where possible, and where you do have to use it, follow the guidance on social distancing and allow more time for your journey.”

Lisa Angus, Transition and Projects Director for East Midlands Railway, said: “We are advising any passengers who may need to travel on the Midland Main Line over the Bank Holiday weekend to check our website as there are a number of changes to our services that may affect your journey. As always, we thank our passengers for their patience whilst this vital work is taking place”.

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “We thank our passengers who need to travel over the weekend for their patience while Network Rail carry out this vital track renewal, which will help improve the reliability of services. There will be no Thameslink services between Mill Hill Broadway and St Pancras, where a replacement bus service will run, and a reduced service on many Thameslink routes for various periods over the three-day weekend. Please follow the government advice to travel only if absolutely necessary, and to avoid public transport if at all possible. If you really have to use a train or bus, it is important to check routes and times before you set off, follow social distancing guidance and wear a face covering if you can.”

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