Following on from last month’s disruption on the Midland Main Line, passengers are being reminded that over the next two consecutive weekends, 21-22 and 27-28 June, there will be no trains running between London and Bedford.

The closure of the southern end of the Midland Main Line will enable major works to be carried out at various points along the 44-mile route.

The works include track replacement inside both Hendon and Belsize tunnels and the replacement of points and crossings at West Hampstead and Radlett.

Work on Access for All projects at Luton station will continue in preparation for three new lifts and a footbridge. While drainage works will also be undertaken in the Harlington area.

During the works, East Midlands Railway services that normally run to and from the capital will start and terminate at Bedford. A connecting Bus Service will take passengers between Bedford and Hitchin to enable them to reach London using trains on the southern end of the East Coast Main Line.

Thameslink services will not run from London to Bedford. Buses will replace trains on various routes between Luton and London, Luton Airport Parkway and Hitchin, Harpenden and Potters Bar via St Albans and between Bedford and Luton.

Regular Thameslink services between Kings Cross and Peterborough / Cambridge will still run but will be retimed to an amended schedule.

“We’re carrying out a significant programme of upgrades along the Midland Main Line over the coming weekends to make journeys more reliable and resilient for passengers and freight. This includes renewing track, improving drainage to reduce the risk of flooding, upgrading key track components, and continuing work to make stations more accessible.

“We’re sorry to anyone whose journey will be affected and we thank passengers for their patience while we carry out our work. We’re urging anyone travelling on the affected dates to check before they travel and allow extra time for journeys.”

Dan Matthews, Network Rail operations director

“We’re carrying out a significant programme of upgrades along the Midland Main Line over the coming weekends to make journeys more reliable and resilient for passengers and freight. This includes renewing track, improving drainage to reduce the risk of flooding, upgrading key track components, and continuing work to make stations more accessible.

“We’re sorry to anyone whose journey will be affected and we thank passengers for their patience while we carry out our work. We’re urging anyone travelling on the affected dates to check before they travel and allow extra time for journeys.”

A spokesperson for East Midlands Railway and Thameslink