REMINDER: Engineering work affects Thameslink services on 12 and 13 November - check before you travel between Luton and London

Thameslink are reminding customers that train services between London and Luton will be affected by major Network Rail infrastructure projects on the Midland Main Line this coming weekend.

Progress on the new Brent Cross West station, a new footbridge at St Albans City station, and upgraded overhead power lines south of Bedford means that no passenger trains will run between West Hampstead and Luton/ Luton Airport Parkway on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 November. There will be a very limited Luton service on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 December.

Passengers should plan ahead and check with National Rail or their train operator.

To maximise the benefit of this necessary line closure, Network Rail will also be carrying out significant track renewals and other maintenance during the affected weekends to boost reliability.

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “We thank our customers for their understanding while Network Rail carry out these essential projects, which will bring a range of improvements to many journeys. We’ve worked closely together to minimise the inconvenience, and replacement buses will be operating. Unfortunately, journeys will take considerably longer than normal so please plan ahead and allow plenty of extra time.”

Gary Walsh, East Midlands Route Director for Network Rail, said: “We’re making great progress on three important projects, which will ultimately bring a better experience for passengers travelling on the southern end of the Midland Main Line.

“I know that many people will be travelling on Sunday 13 November to pay their respects on Remembrance Sunday, and I’m very sorry if our work interrupts your plans. Some of this work was rescheduled to allow people to travel to London for Her Majesty The Queen’s funeral in September.

“We have worked closely with our train operating colleagues to carefully replan this major work, but it will still impact passengers’ journeys. Our best advice is to plan ahead, check before you travel and allow extra time.”

ENDS