We are upgrading the overhead line equipment (OLE) from Hendon to Luton South and Luton North to Bedford to allow trains to run at up to 125mph.
Work on this project began in September 2023 and should be completed by late 2025.
What work is taking place?
The project will be done in two phases, Hendon to just south of Luton and north of Luton to Bedford.
We are upgrading the wiring on this part of the Midland Main Line so that the bi-mode trains will be able to travel at up to 125mph on this section of the line.
This means the wires will ‘bounce’ less when the trains are travelling faster. This involves adding more weight to the wires so there is more tension and better contact between the wire and the pantograph. We are also replacing head spans and some other OLE components that are life expired.
When is the work taking place?
We need to do this work when the trains aren’t running as we need to access the track and the overhead lines. This will usually be at night. This could be during the week and on some weekends.
The railway will be closed between Luton and Bedford from 00:05 to 08:05 on the following dates:
- Sunday 31 March 2024
- Sunday 7 April 2024
- Sunday 14 April 2024
- Sunday 21 April 2024
- Sunday 5 May 2024
- Sunday 12 May 2024
- Sunday 19 May 2024
- Sunday 9 June 2024
- Sunday 30 June 2024
During these closures, buses will replace train services.
Saturday 1 June 2024 – Sunday 2 June 2024
No trains will run between Luton and West Hampstead.
East Midlands Railway and Thameslink services will terminate at Luton from the north.
Replacement buses will run between:
- Luton and West Hampstead Thameslink.
- Luton Airport Parkway and Hitchin via Luton.
- Harpenden and Potters Bar via Luton.
You can use alternative Thameslink services between Hitchin / Potters Bar and London.
Please visit your train operating company or National Rail for more information.
How will this work affect me?
We need to do this work when the trains aren’t running as we need to access the track and the overhead lines. This will usually be at night. This could be during the week and on some weekends.
If you live near to where we are working, we will write to you in advance of any work that may be disruptive to let you know where and when we are working.
Some of our vehicles and equipment may be noisy but we will make every effort to minimise any unnecessary noise and brief our teams regarding working responsibly within the local community.
For more information about living near the railway please see our Living by the railway page. If you are a passenger our work will sometimes mean that your journey will be disrupted, as detailed above.
Why is the work needed?
Electric trains are better for the environment than diesel trains, and they’re quieter for both those on board the train and those living close to the railway.
The Midland Main Line south of Bedford is already electrified but some of the overhead line equipment (OLE) used by electric and bi-mode trains is becoming out of date and needs to be replaced.
Trains on this part of the line are currently only able to travel at a maximum speed of 100mph, even though the speed limit is usually 125mph. Our upgrades will mean that trains are able to travel at up to 125mph from south of Bedford to London St Pancras.
We will be adding more weight to the wires so there is more tension and better contact between the wire and the pantograph. This means the wires will ‘bounce’ less when the trains are travelling, which means the trains will be able to travel at faster speeds more easily.
Get in touch
If you have any additional questions or concerns, visit our contact us page or telephone our 24-hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41