Passengers told "do not travel" during Bank Holiday rail disruption
Huge train disruption is expected along the whole of the East Coast Mainline between the North East and London over the Bank Holiday weekend, and passengers have been advised not to travel.
Two major routes out of London will both be closed for the first time in 20 years.
There will be no trains at all between London and Peterborough, a limited-service as far as York and a reduced service south of Newcastle.
What's happening?
Network Rail is upgrading the line, including moving signalling equipment out of London, to York as part of a £1.2 billion investment.
Network Rail is also using the weekend to continue building an extra platform at Stevenage, which they say will allow more services to operate along the route.
Travel advice for the weekend
Friday 23 August: You can travel on this date. Peak ticket restrictions have been removed in the afternoon, for passengers travelling northbound from London King's Cross.
Saturday 24 August: Do not travel - No trains to or from London King's Cross, because the station is closed.
Sunday 25 August: Do not travel - No trains to or from London King's Cross, because the station is closed
Monday 26 August: Trains are expected to be very busy - There will be a reduced train service to and from London King’s Cross. Seats on most trains towards London King's Cross are now fully reserved.
Tuesday 27 August: Trains return to the normal timetable.
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Roads are also expected to be busy, with AA research suggesting around 14 million drivers are embarking on leisure journeys between Friday and Monday.
Congestion on holiday routes is expected to build from Friday.
AA patrol of the year George Flinton said: “The August bank holiday weekend is always busy on the roads.
“Traffic is likely to build up on Friday evening as people set off early to make the most of the weekend, and will be busy again for the return on Monday afternoon, so allow plenty of time if you’re travelling then.
“Routes to coastal resorts and countryside beauty spots are usually among the busiest and there will be localised congestion around events, especially at finish time, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the journey.”