London Euston passengers reminded to ‘travel either side’ this Easter

Network Rail is advising passengers traveling between London Euston and Scotland over the Easter bank holiday to plan their journeys either side of the long weekend while essential upgrades take place on the West Coast Main Line.

No trains will run between London Euston and Milton Keynes Central on Saturday 19 April, Sunday 20 April, and Monday 21 April, with Euston station closed on these days. A reduced timetable will operate on Friday 18 April.

Passengers are advised to travel before or after the Easter weekend to avoid longer journeys and some rail replacement services.

During this period Network Rail will complete vital track and drainage upgrades on the West Coast Main Line to help ensure the long-term reliability and efficiency of journeys. This work includes:

• Track renewals: Replacing over 350 metres of track near Hemel Hempstead which will improve the reliability of passenger journeys.
• Drainage improvements: Upgrading over 200 metres of drainage near Leighton Buzzard, to prevent flooding and enhance resilience against extreme weather.

Over the Easter weekend, Network Rail will also complete the connection of the new Northampton freight depot to the West Coast Main Line.

This critical work involves activating a complex new signalling system to link the depot with the rest of the railway.

The new freight hub will serve the logistics site which at capacity will have five million square feet of warehouse space and is expected to employ up to 7,000 people, providing a significant boost to the local economy while supporting greener and more efficient rail freight transport.

While the railway to Euston is closed, Network Rail will take the opportunity to make essential improvements to the toilet facilities at Euston station.

Upgrades will be made to the male, female, accessible toilets, and the changing places units.

The improvements will include new cubicles, soap dispensers, replacing other fixtures, and refreshing the decor along with a deep clean of all areas.

Network Rail will also be taking the opportunity to install updated signage in the station and improve wayfinding for passengers.

Amanda Webster-Uz, Network Rail’s head of Euston station operations, said: “There’s a significant amount of work happening over the Easter bank holiday to improve the reliability of the West Coast Main Line for both passengers and freight. Whilst Euston station is closed, we’re also taking the opportunity to improve the station itself, which will include improving our signage and upgrading our toilet facilities for passengers.

“We’re urging passengers to check their journeys in advance at www.nationalrail.co.uk and, where possible, travel before or after the Easter weekend.”

Network Rail is also advising passengers that Euston station will be shut again over the spring bank holiday weekend to further improve the reliability and efficiency of the railway.

The station will be closed on Sunday 4 and Monday 5 May, with fewer services running on Saturday 3 May.

Passengers travelling to Euston are encouraged to plan their journeys either side of the spring bank holiday and check www.nationalrail.co.uk to help avoid disruption.

Image credit: Network Rail