Northampton to London train journeys hit by emergency bridge closure
Rail passengers from Northampton are being warned to expect major disruption to journeys to London when part of the West Coast Main Line closes for emergency bridge works.
Network Rail will close all four tracks between London Euston and Watford Junction until 4pm on Sunday, September 20, while the deteriorating Oxhey Grange footbridge is removed.
Passengers are being urged to avoid travelling if possible, with services across the West Coast Main Line amended.
London Northwestern Railway services will operate between Milton Keynes Central and destinations to the north, with an hourly shuttle running between Milton Keynes and Watford Junction.
The closure means passengers travelling from Northampton towards London should check their journeys in advance and allow additional time.
Avanti West Coast services from Scotland and North West England will start and terminate at Milton Keynes Central, with some terminating at Rugby.
The bridge was closed on July 26 after an inspection found it had deteriorated more quickly than expected.
Engineers will use a specialist 100-metre-tall crane capable of lifting 1,200 tonnes to remove the structure in a single operation.
Gary Walsh, Network Rail's West Coast South route director, said: “We know this work will disrupt journeys on Sunday 20 September 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.”
Updated timetables are expected to be available from Monday, September 7.