Midlands Mainline closures: London train disruption throughout April and May - list of dates

Train passengers are set to experience disruption throughout April and May due to works on the Midlands Mainline.

Network Rail says engineers will be working across upcoming weekends to upgrade existing overhead line equipment south of Bedford, and to continue installing new overhead wires between Kettering and Wigston as part of the multi-million-pound upgrade.

The works will affect East Midlands Railway (EMR), and Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) passengers, with Network Rail asking customers to check before they travel.

The upgrade includes a new fleet of greener EMR trains, which will operate at 125mph and provide “faster, quieter, and more reliable journeys” for passengers travelling between the East Midlands and London.

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Network Rail teams will be working overnight to upgrade existing equipment between Bedford and Luton on Sundays throughout April and May. Rail replacement services between the stations will operate from 0.05am to 8.05am on April 21 and on May 5, 12, and 19.

This weekend (April 20 and 21) maintenance to improve reliability will be taking place on the Thameslink lines through central London. The work means no cross-London Thameslink services will run between St Pancras and London Bridge or Sutton/Wimbledon. Passengers should use London Underground or London Buses to cross central London.

On Sunday morning before around 9am, buses will replace Thameslink trains between West Hampstead Thameslink and St Pancras International. Thameslink services will not call at Kentish Town all that day.

On the weekend of Saturday May 18 and Sunday May 19, engineers will be continuing to install new overhead line equipment between Kettering and Wigston.

A reduced train service between Sheffield / Nottingham and London St Pancras will divert around the closure with rail replacement bus services operating for passengers travelling between Leicester, Market Harborough, and Kettering.

At the same time, Network Rail teams will be installing new switches and crossings, the specialist equipment used by trains to cross from one track to another, between Radlett and Cricklewood. A reduced train service will operate in the area throughout the weekend.

Passengers are encouraged to check their journeys before travelling via National Rail Enquiries or through their train operator.

Gavin Crook, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail’s East Midlands route, said: “Work to deliver major upgrades to the Midland Main Line is ramping up and our engineers will be working hard throughout weekends in April and May to deliver these improvements.

“We always try to minimise disruption to passengers when carrying out work which is why we are working overnight to upgrade existing overhead line equipment, but some work needs an extended period to be completed.

“Passengers should check their journey before travelling so that they are up to date with the latest information. We want to thank them for their understanding and patience as this work is carried out.”