Bedford rail passengers urged to check before travelling over next two weekends

Network Rail is urging passengers who travel over the next two weekends to check their journeys, as work continues on the £1.5billion Midland Main Line upgrade.

On July 18 and 19 as well as July 25 and 26, engineers will carry out work to install the final section of the overhead line equipment on the route.

The work is in preparation for bi-mode trains - which are quieter and better for the environment - to run on the line between Bedford and Corby, via Kettering.

Gavin Crook, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail, said: “We would like to thank passengers for their continued patience whilst this essential part of the Midland Main Line upgrade is carried out.

“This work to install the final section of the overhead line equipment and carry out vital testing is a major step towards the completion of the Midland Main Line upgrade, which will bring improved, faster journeys for passengers, with more seats and a more reliable railway.

“We strongly advise passengers who must travel to check their journeys in advance with National Rail Enquires or their train operator and allow plenty of time to travel.”

Jenny Saunders, passenger services director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “Our services between Bedford and London are likely to be busier over the next two weekends than is usual currently, because of this important work further north.

"Also, trains will be replaced by buses for significant periods, so it will be especially important for people to consider whether they really need to travel, and to plan their journey in advance if they have to use public transport.

“Buses will replace Thameslink services between Bedford and Luton on both Sundays, between Bedford and St Albans during the night of Saturday, July 25, and between Hendon and St Pancras in the early morning of Sunday, July 19. If you do have to travel during any of these periods, please allow plenty of extra time for your journey.”