The essential work will be undertaken from Saturday the 28th of August until the first service on Tuesday the 31st of August and will involve the preparation of connections for Brent Cross West station, which is set to open next year.
Within this work Kentish Town will get track upgrades and points will be replaced between Kentish Town and West Hampstead as the track is reconfigured along with improvements to the signalling system. This vital work will mean that trains will be able to call at the new station when it opens, connecting the local community to Central London and also the Midland Main Line.
Other improvements being undertaken as part of this multifaceted project include improvements to the slab track areas which are supported by concrete not ballast and was originally installed in the 1970's will see improvements providing better journey experience for customers and also reducing the amount of maintenance needed.
Changes to services will be in place for East Midlands Railway and Thameslink services and passengers are recommended to plan their journeys ahead.
To ensure that the engineering work goes ahead in a safe environment, the following changes are being implemented for Saturday the 28th, Sunday the 29th and Monday the 30th of August 2021:
- No East Midlands Railway trains will run between Luton and London St Pancras International, however, passengers can use rail replacement buses to access London Underground services.
- Thameslink services will be reduced between Bedford and Mill Hill Broadway with rail replacement buses in operation for Mill Hill Broadway and London St. Pancras International
- Rail replacement bus services will be in operation between Harpenden, calling at St. Albans and Potters Bar, enabling customers to connect to other services in London
- Rail replacement bus services will be in operation between Luton Airport Parkway, which call at Luton and Hitchin, enabling customers to connect to other services in London
For further information about how journeys will be affected, please visit: National Rail Enquiries or follow #AugustBHWorks on Twitter
Network Rail has planned work through the bank holiday weekend very carefully to cause as little disruption as possible and still has 95% of the UK network running as usual giving passengers the chance to get out and about on the rails, reconnecting with family and friends and visiting their favourite holiday locations.
Gary Walsh, Route Director for Network Rail's East Midlands Route, said: “This vital work over the August Bank Holiday will be a major step towards linking the new Brent Cross West station to the Midland Main Line.
“We're carrying out additional improvements whilst this section of the line is closed to reduce future disruption to services. The slab track at Kentish Town has served the line well and the upgrade is vital so services can continue running reliably.
“As we welcome passengers back to the railway, we've worked hard to minimise disruption and keep services moving as much as possible. I'd encourage anyone travelling over the Bank Holiday weekend to check their journey and plan ahead.”
Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director for EMR, said: “For any customers who are planning on travelling over the August Bank Holiday weekend, please allow extra time for your journey. There are no EMR train services operating between Luton and London St Pancras International and a replacement bus service will be in place.
“We would like to thank passengers for their patience whilst this crucial engineering work takes place between Saturday 28th and Monday 30th August.”
Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Thameslink, said: “It's good news that Network Rail are taking the opportunity to make these essential track improvements at Kentish Town while preparing for Brent Cross West further north. The new station will be a vital addition to the Thameslink network. If you do need to travel between Bedford and London during the Bank Holiday weekend, thank you for your patience. Please check a journey planner for details of the service changes and replacement bus options, and allow plenty of extra time. Be aware there may be further changes at short notice because of the coronavirus outbreak.”
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