Rail passengers in Northampton are being warned to avoid travelling to and from London if possible this Sunday as emergency bridge work closes part of the West Coast Main Line.

All four tracks between London Euston and Watford Junction will be closed until 4pm on Sunday, September 20, while Network Rail removes the deteriorating Oxhey Grange footbridge near Watford.

The closure will cause major disruption to journeys between London, the West Midlands, North West England and Scotland.

The bridge was closed on July 26 after routine inspections found it had deteriorated more quickly than expected. Engineers have now decided it needs to be removed urgently.

placeholder image — Oxhey Grange footbridge near Watford

A specialist 100-metre-tall crane capable of lifting 1,200 tonnes will remove the bridge in a single operation.

During the closure, Avanti West Coast services to and from Scotland and North West England will start and terminate at Milton Keynes Central, with some additional services starting and terminating at Rugby.

London Northwestern Railway will operate services between Milton Keynes Central and destinations further north, alongside an hourly shuttle between Milton Keynes and Watford Junction.

Rail replacement buses and alternative routes will be available, but passengers are being warned journeys will take longer.

Gary Walsh, director for Network Rail’s West Coast South route, said: “We know this work will disrupt journeys on Sunday September 20 and we're sorry for the inconvenience.

“By using a specialist heavy-lift crane, we're able to remove the bridge in a single operation and reopen the railway as quickly as possible.”

Passengers are advised to check their journey before travelling.