Rail replacement buses on Midland Mainline due to overhead wire works

Upgrades will allow speeds of up to 125mph when complete

Train travellers are being warned of disruption due to rail works over the next two weekends.

Works are planned between Bedford and Luton, and on the stretch between Syston in Leicestershire and Helpston, near Peterborough.

It will mean no services on sections of the Midland Mainline, on 16-17 and 23-24 March while overhead wires are upgraded to allow speeds up to 125mph.

Passengers have been urged to check their journey before travelling.

Those travelling on the line to and from the East Midlands and London St Pancras will face replacement buses.

These will run between Bedford and Luton on the first weekend, and Bedford and Hitchin the second weekend.

'Patience and understanding'

East Midlands Railway will be operating a reduced service on both weekends.

Gavin Crook, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail's East Midlands route, said: "Over the last few weekends, we have carried out vital upgrade work to different parts of the network to enhance the journeys of passengers, resulting in a greener, faster, and more reliable railway.

"We want to thank all passengers for their patience and understanding."

In addition, on 17 March and from 23 to 24 March, a rail replacement service will serve passengers travelling from Leicester or Peterborough to Melton Mowbray, Oakham, and Stamford.

This is while Network Rail works on track on the route between Leicester and Peterborough.

Passengers are urged to check their journey before travelling via National Rail Enquiries or through their train operator.