Bedford train passengers warned as engineering works to add up to 60 minutes to journeys next weekend

On Sunday, June 23, the East Midlands Railway (EMR) line between Wellingborough and London St Pancras will be closed for “vital engineering works” on the Midland Mainline.

As work is completed to modernise signalling controls between the stations, there will be rail replacement buses for those passengers wanting to use the network.

Between 30 and 60 minutes will be added onto journey times, as EMR and Thameslink puts on bus routes to help customers to get to their destinations.

EMR customers are asked to check their ticket restrictions before using any other operators to avoid any unnecessary charges. Tickets for "EMR only" routes must be used on its planned rail replacement services.

Philippa Cresswell, customer service director for the rail operator, said: “We recommend customers planning to travel to or from London on 23 June to check their journeys in advance by looking for journey updates on the EMR website.

“We are working closely with Network Rail to keep customers moving throughout the engineering work, and EMR services will be running where possible.

“Customers’ journeys may be longer than normal, with rail replacement buses and amended timetables in place.”

She added: “We would like to thank our customers for their patience whilst the vital signalling work on the Midland Mainline takes place.

"This work will greatly benefit our customers in the future with more reliable journeys to and from London.”