REMINDER: Passengers asked to check before travelling over the May Day bank holiday and Coronation weekends

Network Rail and Govia Thameslink Railway have jointly issued the following press release about planned engineering work affecting upcoming weekends in May:

Much of the railway network is open over the May bank holiday and Coronation weekend across the Anglia region. But with major station and renewals projects taking place, we urge passengers to check before travelling as some engineering work will affect the main lines in Cambridge.

West Anglia main line (Saturday 29 April to Bank Holiday Monday 01 May inclusive)

Engineers will continue preparatory work at the site of the new Cambridge South station while also continue to deliver the major re-signalling renewal programme around the Cambridge area. Buses will replace trains between Royston and Cambridge for Great Northern and Thameslink services, and between Audley End and Cambridge for Greater Anglia and Cross Country passengers to complete their journey.

West Anglia main line: (Sunday 07 and Bank Holiday Monday 08 May)

A rail replacement bus service will operate between Cambridge and Ely to allow engineers to continue to deliver the major Cambridge area re-signalling programme and additional track work.

Spring (late) May Bank Holiday (Saturday 27 to Monday 29 May)

Most of the rail network across Anglia will be open to passengers, however some engineering work will be taking place which will disrupt services between Audley End and Cambridge, and between Royston and Cambridge to allow work to continue for the new Cambridge South station, the renewal of the signalling systems and general track and maintenance work. Passengers using the railway via Cambridge over the late May bank holiday are encouraged to check their journey plans before travelling.

Katie Frost Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “This year, most of the network will be available for passengers to enjoy days out by rail throughout the May bank holiday. The railway will also be open on 6 May when passengers will be able to travel into the capital to experience the UK’s first coronation of a monarch in over 70 years.

“However, while we have planned to keep most of the railway open for these important weekends, passengers should continue to check before travelling as important work to deliver vital new stations, renewals and maintenance will continue to affect the mainlines on certain days. I’d like to thank our customer and passengers for their continued patience.”

Thameslink and Great Northern Customer Services Director Jenny Saunders said: “Coronation Day is a great occasion and we’ll be running our trains at their maximum length on 6 May so that everyone gets to enjoy the celebrations. However, there’s also some vital engineering work that Network Rail needs to carry out on other days during this celebratory weekend and the late May Bank Holiday. Please plan ahead and allow extra time if necessary.”

For further information, please visit www.thameslinkrailway.com or www.greatnorthernrail.com.

ENDS