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Friday 19 Mar 2021

Eggcellent preparation for new Midland Main Line station takes place over Easter

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Midlands

Network Rail is preparing to make further progress on the rail work at Brent Cross over Easter in the first of three weekends of work to move track that links to the new station.

Between Friday 2 and Monday 5 April, as most people enjoy their Easter eggs, teams will be carrying out vital work on the track between West Hampstead and Mill Hill Broadway. As well as replacing it to bring smoother, more reliable journeys for passengers, this section of the railway is being remodelled to make space for the new Brent Cross West station, which is expected to open next year.

Improving the layout of the track, as well as moving some of the overhead line equipment and making changes to the signalling, will allow one of the new platforms to be built.

For this work to take place safely, no trains will run between West Hampstead and Mill Hill Broadway on Friday 2, Saturday 3 or Sunday 4 April. Replacement buses will be in place to keep passengers making essential journeys moving. Thameslink and East Midlands Railway will run a reduced service and journey times may be extended.

In line with the latest Government guidance, people are urged to minimise travel over the Easter bank holiday. Passengers can find out how their Easter journeys will be affected via National Rail Enquiries, with their train operator or by following #EasterRailWorks on Twitter.

Similar work is currently being planned for both May bank holiday weekends.

The new £40 million state-of-the-art Brent Cross West station, which is being built between Hendon and Cricklewood, is a key element of Barnet Council’s ambitious Brent Cross Cricklewood regeneration programme. It will transform the area with a new town centre and new homes, as well as a commercial, retail and leisure space.

Gary Walsh, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Midlands Route, said: “The new sidings at Brent Cross will come into full use on Monday 22 March and this is an important milestone in the delivery of the new Brent Cross station.

“Our track work at Easter will link the Midland Main Line to the first platform we are building. We’ve carefully planned this project to keep disruption for passengers who need to make essential journeys to a minimum.

“When Brent Cross West opens, people in the community will benefit from direct services into central London as well as connections to towns and cities along the route.”

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Thameslink, said: “The new station will be a vital addition to the Thameslink network to serve the area’s fast-growing population and the expanding shopping centre.

“If you do need to travel over the Easter weekend, thank you for your patience while this work is underway. Please check a journey planner for the replacement bus options, and allow extra time. And please remember to wear a face covering on public transport, wash your hands and keep your distance.”

Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director for East Midlands Railway, said: “For any passengers who cannot work from home over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, please allow extra time for your journey, as we are running a reduced timetable.

“We encourage anyone planning on travelling to check the EMR website for full details as services between Corby and London St Pancras will only run between Corby and Kettering.

“We would like to thank passengers for their patience whilst this engineering work takes place."

ENDS