No trains running between London Euston and Leighton Buzzard over the Easter weekend due to track improvements
Passengers have been warned that no main line trains will run between London Euston and Leighton Buzzard over the entirety of the Easter weekend due to track improvements.
Network Rail is urging customers to plan their journeys in advance ahead of works to improve the tracks, signaling and overhead line equipment between Euston and Milton Keynes from April 3 to 8, with Leighton Buzzard on this line.
The programme of improvements includes £6.6 million being spent on waterproofing a bridge in Ledburn, just south of Leighton Buzzard, to prevent future damage to the structure.
Meanwhile engineers will also complete £7 million of signalling upgrades nearby, in a bid to reduce failures and improve the reliability of journeys.
Other work includes the renewal of switches and crossings at Willesden, the renewal of overhead line equipment near Wembley, upgrades to the power supply at Bushey, platform upgrades at Harrow & Wealdstone and the installation of new lifts at Apsley.
The upgrades are taking place as part of a £400 million project to boost the reliability of the West Coast Main Line.
Trains service between Milton Keynes and London Euston, calling at Leighton Buzzard station, will resume on Thursday April 9.
Network Rail’s West Coast South route director Gary Walsh said: “There is a large amount of work taking place over the Easter bank holiday and until 8 April to improve the reliability of the West Coast Main Line for the millions of passengers and freight operators who rely on this route.
“There will be some major changes to journeys between Euston and Milton Keynes in this six-day period so we’re urging everyone who plans to travel over Easter to check their journey in advance at National Rail Enquiries.”
Operations director at Avanti West Coast Chris Liptrot added: “While Network Rail carry out this essential work, we’ll be operating an amended timetable with journeys to and from London Euston involving changes or rail replacement buses.
“We strongly advise customers making journeys to or from London Euston between 3 and 8 April to plan ahead and check the National Rail website before travelling.”