Media centre

Monday 17 Aug 2020

No trains in or out of London King’s Cross over first weekend in September as vital work continues on £1.2billion East Coast Upgrade

Region & Route:

Eastern: East Coast

Network Rail and train operators on the East Coast Main Line are urging passengers not to travel to London King’s Cross on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September 2020, while vital work takes place in and around the station as part of the East Coast Upgrade, which will improve journeys for passengers. 

Over the weekend, Network Rail engineers will be carrying out essential work towards the re-opening of a disused railway tunnel near King’s Cross, which will allow more trains to enter and exit the station. Work will also take place to renew the tracks to certain platforms, make improvements to the signalling at the station and strengthen Camden Sewer which runs beneath the tracks, bringing smoother journeys for passengers.

In order for this latest stage of work to be carried out safely, there will be no trains in or out of London King’s Cross over this weekend. People who need to travel to London from the north on the East Coast Main Line will need to change trains at Peterborough onto Thameslink services, which will run to St Pancras International on Saturday 5 September and to Finsbury Park on Sunday 6 September. Fast Great Northern services from Cambridge will also finish at Finsbury Park instead of King’s Cross, which will extend journey times.

Passengers are strongly advised to check before travelling via National Rail Enquiries, at EastCoastUpgrade.co.uk or with their train operator, and to allow plenty of time. All trains are expected to be busier than normal. Passengers travelling on LNER services must have a seat reservation, which can be made up to five minutes prior to departure.

People are also reminded that they must wear a face covering on public transport. However, some people are exempt, including young children and people with hidden disabilities or breathing difficulties. Anyone who does not wear one and is not exempt could receive a £100 fine from the British Transport Police.

The £1.2billion East Coast Upgrade is the biggest investment in the line in a generation. It will transform journeys on the East Coast Main Line and improve connectivity between London, the North and Scotland. Once complete, the upgrade will deliver improved reliability and punctuality for passengers and will ensure the route has the capacity to deal with future passenger volumes.

Ed Akers, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “This work which is taking place in and around King’s Cross station is an essential part of the East Coast Upgrade. It will allow further major improvements to take place, including the reopening of the railway tunnel, which will make space for more trains coming in and out of the station.

“We strongly advise passengers to avoid travelling to London King’s Cross over the first weekend in September, as they will need to change trains and services which are running may be busy. Those who do need to travel to London should check their journeys and allow plenty of time.

“We would like to thank passengers for their continued patience whilst vital work on the East Coast Upgrade is carried out and we apologise for any inconvenience. The project will bring improved services, faster journeys and a more reliable railway.”

A spokesperson on behalf of train operators on the route, said: “This work is really important and a vital step towards more reliable, frequent and faster services for our passengers.

“We would like to thank people in advance for their patience and understanding whilst this part of the East Coast Upgrade is carried out. Passengers who need to travel to or from London should check how their journey will be affected by visiting EastCoastUpgrade.co.uk, National Rail Enquiries or checking with their train operator.”

ENDS