Thameslink has issued a warning about significant rail disruption affecting passengers in North London this coming weekend. No train services will operate between Mill Hill Broadway and Bedford on Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, as engineers carry out essential maintenance work.
Engineering Works Details
The planned engineering works include the laying of 300 metres of new track in St Albans, drainage improvements in Radlett, and the installation of a new footbridge at Luton station. These upgrades are part of Network Rail's ongoing efforts to enhance reliability and resilience on the route.
Replacement Bus Services
Thameslink will provide rail replacement buses between Mill Hill Broadway and Luton, as well as between Luton Airport Parkway and Hitchin via Luton. Additional local bus routes will serve communities in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
East Midlands Railway (EMR) services will also be affected, with no trains running south of Bedford during the closure period.
Impact on London Services
In the capital, trains heading to St Albans City will terminate at West Hampstead Thameslink or Kentish Town. Services bound for Bedford will end at West Hampstead Thameslink or Mill Hill Broadway, with extra stops added at Hendon, Brent Cross West, and Cricklewood. Furthermore, trains operating between Luton and Rainham will terminate at London Bridge.
Passenger Advice
Jenny Saunders, customer service director for Thameslink, apologised for the inconvenience, stating: “I’m sorry our Thameslink passengers north of Mill Hill Broadway on the Bedford route will have to take a rail replacement bus this weekend because of this essential engineering work. This will take longer than the normal train ride, so please go online to check your journey before you set out and allow any extra time.”
Dan Matthews, Network Rail operations director, added: “This weekend we’re carrying out further improvement work to make the railway more reliable and resilient for passengers and freight. This includes renewing track at St Albans, upgrading drainage and installing points at Radlett, and continuing our work to deliver step‑free access at Luton station. We appreciate everyone’s understanding while these important improvements take place, and we’re sorry to anyone whose journey will be affected.”
Passengers are advised to check their journeys online and allow extra travel time. For more information on local planning applications, traffic diversions, and other updates, residents can visit the Public Notice Portal.
