Disruption on the trains with weekend of engineering works

east coast mainline upgrade, Network Rail
No trains running in and out of London King's Cross this weekend. Credit: Network Rail

The latest stage of upgrade work to the East Coast Main Line takes place this weekend with people being reminded not to travel to and from London King's Cross.

The £1.2 billion upgrade work is ongoing and when finished will transform journeys on the East Coast Main Line making them more reliable say Network Rail.

Over the weekend of Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October Network Rail engineers will be replacing overhead wires in and around King’s Cross and testing the new signalling system.

This work can only be carried out safely when there are no trains in the area.

Replacement bus services will be running for those who must travel and passengers are being reminded they need to wear face coverings.

The buses are expected to be busy and journeys will take significantly longer say Network Rail.

Further work is planned over the coming months, including:

  • A weekend closure at London King’s Cross on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November

  • An extended closure between Christmas and the New Year.

  • Additional dates where there will be full and partial closures have been announced up to June 2021

Find out more about the East Coast Mainline upgrade here


Colchester track replacement Credit: Network Rail

While a programme of vital upgrades also begins this weekend to make rail services between Norwich and London more reliable.

Works are taking place at various points on the line between Ipswich and London at weekends starting from this weekend ( 17th October) to 22nd November.

Passengers are being advised to check before they travel.

The work includes:

  • The replacement of 4 switches and crossings units, which allow trains to switch from one track to another at Colchester.

  • Replacement of worn track at Manningtree.

  • At Stratford and Maryland, works will take place to upgrade the overhead line electrification with a new auto tension system that adapts to temperature changes.

  • Upgrades to the power systems between London and Shenfield as part of the preparation for the start of Elizabeth line services.