Rail Passengers Advised to Plan Ahead as Midland Main Line Upgrades Continue With Buses Replacing Trains Over Two Weekends

Published on September 18, 2024

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Rail passengers traveling on the Midland Main Line over the weekends of September 21-22 and September 28-29 are being advised to plan their journeys carefully and check for updates as major upgrades continue on the line. As part of an extensive multi-million-pound improvement scheme, buses will replace trains in certain areas, leading to potential delays and extended travel times.

The upgrades, led by Network Rail, aim to improve the reliability, speed, and sustainability of the Midland Main Line, ultimately allowing East Midlands Railway (EMR) to operate a new fleet of electric trains at speeds of up to 125mph. These upgrades will offer passengers more reliable, faster, and quieter journeys once the project is fully complete.

Key Upgrades to the Midland Main Line

Over the weekends of September 21-22 and September 28-29, engineers will work to complete several important tasks on the Midland Main Line, including:

1. Upgrading the overhead lines south of Bedford, which power the electric trains on the route.
2. Installing new switches and crossings in the same area, specialist equipment that allows trains to switch tracks, improving flexibility and efficiency.

These upgrades are part of a broader scheme to modernize the Midland Main Line, one of the UK’s most important rail corridors, serving millions of passengers traveling between London, the East Midlands, and beyond.

Additional Works Between Radlett and Agar Grove

Separate from the main Midland Main Line upgrades, further work will be carried out between Radlett and Agar Grove, where track improvements will take place in preparation for the Agar Grove bridge project. Drainage improvements will also be made in this area, helping to ensure the future reliability of the line.

The Agar Grove bridge project is set to progress later in the year, with the current works laying the foundation for the main bridge construction. This project will further enhance the rail infrastructure, benefiting passengers who rely on this key section of the line.

Replacement Buses and Travel Advice

To accommodate the engineering work, replacement buses will run between Bedford and Luton on both weekends, ensuring that passengers can continue their journeys despite the disruption. However, journey times are expected to be longer than usual due to the necessary detours and bus services.

Passengers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and check the latest travel updates before setting off. This can be done by visiting the National Rail website or checking with their train operator for up-to-date information on timetables and replacement bus services.

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Thameslink, thanked passengers for their patience and emphasized the importance of planning ahead:

“Thanks in advance to our customers for your patience while Network Rail carry out these essential improvements. We’ve arranged replacement buses to help you complete your journeys between Bedford and Luton on these weekends, so please plan ahead and allow extra time.”

Impact on East Midlands Railway (EMR) Services

East Midlands Railway (EMR), which operates services on the Midland Main Line, will also be affected by the works. Although EMR will continue to run services where possible, passengers can expect some changes to timetables and longer journey times due to the replacement buses and other necessary adjustments.

Philippa Cresswell, Customer Service Director for EMR, urged passengers to check their journeys in advance and expressed gratitude to customers for their patience:

“We recommend customers planning to travel to or from London on 21, 22, 28, or 29 September to check their journeys in advance by looking for 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. However, journey times may be longer than normal with rail replacement buses and amended timetables in place. We would like to thank our customers for their patience while 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.”

Benefits of the Upgrades

Once the Midland Main Line upgrades are fully completed, passengers will enjoy faster, quieter, and more reliable journeys. The upgraded infrastructure will enable the operation of new electric trains that will run up to 125mph, significantly reducing journey times while also contributing to more sustainable rail travel.

The modernization of the overhead lines and track will also reduce delays caused by equipment failures, ensuring a smoother and more efficient service for passengers traveling between London and the East Midlands.

In addition, the Agar Grove bridge project and drainage improvements between Radlett and Agar Grove are vital components of the overall upgrade plan. These enhancements will improve the reliability of the infrastructure and further support the introduction of faster, modern trains on the line.

Network Rail’s Commitment to Reliability

Gavin Crook, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail’s East Midlands route, emphasized the importance of these upgrades and encouraged passengers to stay informed about travel changes:

“This work will allow our teams to complete upgrades south of Bedford as part of the wider Midland Main Line scheme to bring passengers more reliable journeys. Upgrading track for the Agar Grove bridge project is an essential step ahead of the main bridge construction later in the year. We encourage customers to plan ahead with their journeys so they are up to date with the latest information, and we would like to thank passengers for their continued patience.”

Plan Your Journey

Passengers traveling over the next two weekends should take the following steps to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey:

• Allow extra time: With buses replacing trains between Bedford and Luton, journey times are expected to be longer than usual. Make sure to factor in additional travel time.
• Be patient: These essential upgrades will lead to significant long-term benefits for passengers, including faster, more reliable services in the future.

By planning ahead and staying informed, passengers can minimize the inconvenience caused by the engineering works and continue to travel with confidence.