Network Rail and East Midlands Railway are advising passengers of changes to services on two weekends in November as work on the Midland Main Line Upgrade continues.
On the weekends of 2/3 and 16/17 November, the line between Market Harborough and Bedford and Corby and Bedford will be closed. The first weekend will see the demolition of Bromham Road bridge in Bedford ahead of it being rebuilt at a raised height to allow overhead line equipment to safely pass underneath it. Network Rail will also renew track in and around Wellingborough station.
On the second weekend, Network Rail will use cranes to clear remaining spoil from the demolition. There will also be work to extend the platforms at both Kettering and Wellingborough stations. Once completed, it will enable newer and longer trains to call there. Parking at Bedford station is significantly reduced whilst work to Bromham Road bridge takes place.
All of this work means that no trains will be able to run on this section of the railway and coach replacement services will be in operation. Passengers are advised to leave additional time for their journey and check before travelling via National Rail Enquiries or with East Midlands Railway.
As part of the Midland Main Line Upgrade, Network Rail has been working to upgrade 12 bridges along the route. Bromham Road bridge is the last of these bridges to be demolished, marking a significant milestone in the £1.5billion project, which will provide extra seats and a more reliable service for passengers.
Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “We are urging passengers to plan ahead and check before travelling as we reach a significant milestone in the Midland Main Line Upgrade.
“This stage of work is absolutely vital to keep the upgrade progressing well and, unfortunately, it isn’t possible to do this work without impacting on train services. We would think to thank all those affected for their patience and apologise for any disruption this may cause.”
Julian Edwards, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway, said: “As we approach the weekends of 2/3 and 16/17 November, we are advising passengers to plan ahead and check before they travel.
“Replacement coaches are in place between Market Harborough and Bedford and between Corby and Kettering. Trains will only run from Sheffield / Nottingham to Market Harborough and Bedford to London St Pancras meaning your journey may take longer than usual.
“The investment work taking place over these weekends will allow for additional trains and more seats by December 2020 and we thank our passengers for their patience and understanding during this time”.