South of Bedford Upgrade

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 Summer 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.

Over nine weekends between Saturday 22 February to early June, engineers will be carrying out essential infrastructure work south of Bedford to upgrade the overhead lines that power trains between Bedford and London. It means that Thameslink and East Midlands Railway journeys between London St Pancras International and Bedford will be significantly altered and are likely to involve a bus.

This work is crucial for the introduction of East Midlands Railway’s (EMR) new greener fleet of bi-mode trains. These improvements will also mean smoother and more reliable journeys for passengers travelling between South Yorkshire, the East Midlands and London. We are grateful to passengers for their patience while this essential work takes place.

Sunday 16 February 2025

No trains from Luton to Bedford. Buses will replace trains.

Saturday 22 February – Sunday 23 February 2025

On Saturday, buses replace trains from Bedford to Luton, and Bedford to Harpenden on Sunday.
Buses will also be running from Bedford to Hitchin on the East Coast Main Line.

Saturday 1 March – Sunday 2 March 2025

Buses replace trains from Luton to Mill Hill Broadway all weekend.
Buses will also run across to the East Coast Main Line between Luton Airport Parkway, Luton and Hitchin, and also between Harpenden, St Albans and Potters Bar.

Saturday 8 March – Sunday 9 March 2025

No trains will run between Luton and Finsbury Park to London Bridge, or Wimbledon/Sutton.
Buses are running between Luton and St Pancras, calling at all stations except Kentish Town. As well as to the East Coast Main Line between Luton Airport Parkway, Luton and Hitchin, and also between Harpenden, St Albans and Potters Bar.

Saturday 15 March – Sunday 16 March 2025

Buses replace trains from Luton to Mill Hill Broadway all weekend.
Buses will also run across to the East Coast Main Line between Luton Airport Parkway, Luton and Hitchin, and also between Harpenden, St Albans and Potters Bar.

Saturday 5 April – Sunday 6 April 2025

Buses replace trains between Luton and West Hampstead Thameslink all weekend.
Buses will also run across to the East Coast Main Line between Luton Airport Parkway, Luton and Hitchin, and also between Harpenden, St Albans and Potters Bar.

Saturday 12 April – Sunday 13 April 2025

Buses replace trains between Luton and West Hampstead Thameslink all weekend.
Buses will also run across to the East Coast Main Line between Luton Airport Parkway, Luton and Hitchin, and also between Harpenden, St Albans and Potters Bar.

Saturday 10 May – Sunday 11 May 2025

Buses replace trains between Luton and West Hampstead Thameslink all weekend.
Buses will also run across to the East Coast Main Line between Luton Airport Parkway, Luton and Hitchin, and also between Harpenden, St Albans and Potters Bar.

Saturday 24 May – Sunday 25 May 2025

Buses replace trains between Harpenden and Bedford all weekend.
Buses will also run from Bedford to Hitchin on the East Coast Main Line.

Saturday 31 May – Sunday 1 June 2025

Buses replace trains from Bedford to Mill Hill Broadway all weekend.
Buses will run between Bedford and Luton, and Luton to Mill Hill Broadway.
Passengers can use buses to get to the East Coast Main Line between Luton Airport Parkway, Luton and Hitchin, and also between Harpenden, St Albans and Potters Bar.

Changes to EMR services

For more information on the changes to EMR services, please visit:

Changes to GTR services

For more information on the changes to GTR services, please visit:

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