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Wednesday 4 Mar 2020

Rail passengers and road users warned as work to repair three level crossings on Marston Vale line continues

Region & Route:

North West & Central

Rail passengers and road users are being warned of disruption because of a fault with three automatic level crossings on the Marston Vale line in Bedfordshire.

Investigations are underway to find out why the automatic train detection systems are not working as they should at the level crossings in Marston, Green Lane in Stewartby, and Kempston Hardwick.

To keep trains running as far as Stewartby, Marston level crossing is closed to road traffic, and Green Lane is being manually operated.

The railway is closed between Stewartby and Bedford with London Northwestern Railway providing replacement buses so passengers can complete their journeys.

From Monday, a revised timetable will see rail services running all the way to Bedford, but Kempston Hardwick level crossing will then also be closed to road users.

James Dean, director for Network Rail’s West Coast Mainline South route, said: “We’re sorry to passengers and road users affected by problems with three level crossings on the Marston Vale line. Investigations are underway with the level crossing manufacturer and London Northwestern Railway to find out why the automatic system which lowers the crossing barriers is not working as it should.

“To keep passengers and road users safe closing some roads and the suspension of the line between Stewartby and Bedford is necessary. We thank people for their patience while we work as fast as we can to get the level crossings working normally again.”

Lawrence Bowman, customer experience director for London Northwestern Railway, which operates services on the Marston Vale Line, said: "We apologise to our customers for the ongoing disruption to journeys on the Marston Vale Line while Network Rail engineers continue to work in the affected area.

"The safety of our passengers and staff is of paramount importance and we cannot allow trains to run until we receive the all-clear.

"Passengers are advised to check live travel information before setting out and to leave more time for their journeys, particularly if they are travelling between Stewartby and Bedford."

Any passengers delayed by 15 minutes or more as a result of the issue can claim compensation via the Delay Repay scheme at www.lnr.uk/delayrepay

Rail passengers can check with London Northwestern Railway or www.nationalrail.co.uk for the latest information on the situation on the Marston Vale line.