Train disruption between London and Peterborough over four weekends

Rail passengers travelling between London and Peterborough, which includes St Neots, are being warned of disruption over the next four weekends due to major engineering work on the East Coast Main Line.

Network Rail says the work, which begins this Saturday, 31 January, includes further progress on digital signalling as part of the £1.4 billion East Coast Digital Programme. The scheme will replace traditional lineside signals with real-time information delivered directly into the driver’s cab, with digitally signalled passenger trains expected to run between Welwyn and Hitchin later this year.

The testing work is being carried out alongside a wide range of essential maintenance, including track renewals at locations including St Neots, Sandy and Offord, upgrades to overhead line equipment between Sandy and St Neots, drainage renewals, and improvements to platforms at Alexandra Palace.

On the weekends of 31 January to 1 February and 7 to 8 February, there will be no train services between London and Peterborough or Royston, and no services to Stevenage via Hertford North. Rail replacement buses will operate between Peterborough and Bedford, with amended services in place for long-distance operators, Thameslink and Great Northern.

Further disruption is expected on 15 February, when there will be no long-distance services between London and Peterborough, and no trains running between Potters Bar and St Neots or Letchworth Garden City, Moorgate and Finsbury Park, or Stevenage and Hertford North.

On the weekend of 21 and 22 February, trains will not run between Potters Bar and Peterborough or Royston, or between Hertford North and Stevenage, with replacement bus services again operating.

Network Rail says the work is essential to deliver a more reliable, greener and safer railway. Passengers are being advised to check their journey before travelling and allow extra time.