Network Rail is continuing to upgrade and improve the railway between Luton and Bedford in the East Midlands.

On Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 March, engineers will be upgrading the overhead line equipment south of Bedford.

As part of the largest upgrade to the Midland Main Line since it was completed in 1870, this work will help to deliver better, more reliable journeys for passengers and ultimately connect people to more job, education and leisure opportunities.

This is the first of several weekends in 2022 where the railway will be closed so that Network Rail teams can boost the power supply safely.


Limited services will run between Luton and Bedford on Saturday (19 March), with buses replacing all trains between the two towns on Sunday (20 March). Passengers are urged to check their journey with National Rail or their train operator before travelling.

Gary Walsh, East Midlands Route Director for Network Rail, said: "We're at a really exciting stage of the Midland Main Line Upgrade, which will see us boost the power supply south of Bedford and take us one step closer to delivering better, more reliable journeys for passengers.

"Although we've packaged multiple projects together to keep disruption to a minimum, I’d advise anybody who needs to travel to check their journey in advance as there will be some changes to train services."

Work to enhance the historic platform canopies at Kettering and Wellingborough stations will also continue over the weekend. While this is done, rail replacement buses will transport passengers between Kettering and Corby.