On Sunday the 30th of July, work will get underway on The Hertford Loop Line and Northern City Line with upgrade work including renewal of track, signalling and overhead line equipment for the Hertford Loop Line. During this period of work, rail replacement buses will be operating for passengers making their way between Alexandra Palace and Stevenage via Hertford North.
Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th of August will also see major upgrade work carried out in tunnels between Moorgate and Finsbury Park. This work will bring a reduction in both noise and vibrations as trains make their way through the tunnels.
Also during this period of work, renewal of overhead line equipment will take place between Alexandra Palace and Stevenage, which will bring greater resilience during extreme weather, it will also carry preparation work out for the move to digital signalling as part of the East Coast Digital Programme.
Due to the major upgrade work, no trains will be in operation between Moorgate and Finsbury Park.
Passengers are advised to travel via London Underground or by using London Bus Route 271, whilst rail replacement buses will be in operation for passengers making their way between Alexandra Palace and Stevenage via Hertford North.
The work has been specifically organised in order to create less disruption for those using the Hertford Loop Line and Northern City Line in the future. This approach in logistics also provides the teams of engineers with a safe working environment.
Advice is being given to passengers to plan their travel ahead using National Rail Enquiries or via their rail operator, alongside adding extra time for making journeys.
Jason Parrish, Head of Planning for Network Rail's East Coast Route, said:
“These upgrades to both the Hertford Loop line and Northern City Line will ultimately improve reliability for passengers and lead to smoother journeys.”
“I'm pleased that we are also making significant improvements to tunnels between Moorgate and Finsbury Park, as this will help to reduce noise and vibrations from trains, which will greatly benefit people living near the railway.”
“There will be changes to services, so I'd like to thank passengers for their patience whilst we complete this important work. Our best advice for anyone who is planning to travel is to check National Rail Enquiries or their train operator's website before setting off.”
Jenny Saunders, Customer Service Director for Govia Thameslink Railway, who operate Great Northern trains, said:
“Network Rail is modernising the infrastructure to make journeys more reliable and comfortable for our passengers on the Hertford Loop and in and out of Moorgate.”
“Buses will be running instead of trains between Alexandra Palace and Stevenage via Hertford North on all three dates, and there'll be no Great Northern service between Finsbury Park and Moorgate on the 5 and 6 of August, so please allow plenty of extra time and check your route and journey times before you travel.”
