On the last two weekends in September, train services on the southern part of the Midland Main Line will be disrupted because of engineering work in connection with upgrading the line for 125 mph running.

During these weekends, engineers will:

• Upgrade the existing overhead and track south of Bedford.
• Install new switches and crossovers south of Bedford.
• Upgrade the track in preparation for work on the bridge at Agar Grove and carry out drainage work between Radlett and Agar Grove.

Service alterations

Saturday, 21 and Sunday, 22 September

• There will be fewer East Midland Railway services between London St Pancras International and Luton.
• A connecting rail-replacement bus service will operate between Luton and Bedford.
• Thameslink trains between Luton and Bedford will be replaced by buses.

Saturday, 28 and Sunday, 29 September

• No East Midland Railway services between Bedford and London St Pancras International.
• An amended train service will run between Sheffield / Derby / Leicester / Corby and Bedford only.
• A rail-replacement bus service will run between Bedford and Hitchin, where there will be a connection to alternative train services to and from London.
• Thameslink trains between Luton and Bedford will be replaced by buses.
• On Saturday, 28 September, there will be a reduced train service between St Albans and London Blackfriars.

Passengers should check the latest information on the National Rail Enquiries website

To improve the efficiency and overall quality of construction during the upgrade, information about all assets are being stored digitally.

“Upgrading the overhead line equipment and installing new switches and crosses is vital in the wider Midland Main Line electrification project to bring passengers smoother journeys.

“We are also upgrading track as part of the Agar Grove bridge project which is a crucial step in our preparation work for December.

“We would like to thank rail users for their patience and understanding while we carry out this work and we advise passengers to check their journey before they travel so they are up to date with the latest information.“

Gavin Crook, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail’s East Midlands route