Media centre

Thursday 9 Apr 2020

Essential work to create more reliable railway means changes for Great Northern customers who cannot work from home this Easter weekend

Region & Route:

Eastern

Network Rail and Great Northern are urging passengers to check before travelling over the Easter weekend as an essential project to create a more modern and reliable railway in Bowes Park takes place.

People should only travel if they have to, as set out in government guidance, and stay at home if possible in order to help reduce the spread of coronavirus.

Over the Easter weekend, Network Rail will upgrade the track in and around Bowes Park station. The work will see the track renewed, with the old rail and sleepers removed and new ones installed. The work will improve track quality in the area meaning smoother journeys for passengers and fewer delays.

To allow this work to take place safely, no trains will be able to run on this section of the railway during this time. This means the following changes to services:

• On 11, 12 and 13 April, no trains will be able to run between Alexandra Palace and Stevenage via Hertford North. Bus replacement services will be in operation during this time.

Those who cannot work from home and must travel on these dates are strongly urged to allow additional time for their journey as it is likely to take longer than usual and to check before travelling via National Rail Enquiries or Great Northern’s website at https://ticket.greatnorthernrail.com/search.

The work taking place this weekend has been reviewed and will be carried out in line with social distancing guidelines.

Paul Rutter, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast Route, said: “This is an essential project, which is why we are continuing with it over the Easter weekend. The project will create a more reliable and resilient railway with fewer delays, as well as improve passenger experience through smoother journeys.

“This work will be carried out in line with Covid-19 guidance and we would urge all those making essential journeys on the Hertford North line over the bank holiday weekend to check their journey ahead of time via National ail Enquiries or with Great Northern Railway.

“We would like to reassure those who cannot work from home that the coach replacement service which is in place will keep them moving and we thank all those impacted for their patience.”

Keith Jipps, Infrastructure Director for Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “Network Rail’s vital track renewal work will improve journeys on Great Northern services between Stevenage and Moorgate via Hertford North, and we thank passengers who have to travel over the Easter weekend for their patience. We continue to urge people to travel only if it is absolutely essential, and to check journey planners before they set off.”

ENDS