Weekend of disruption expected on Midland Mainline


The old footbridge at Harlington station is being removed after a new one was installed

Work to remove an old footbridge over a busy section of the Midland Mainline has begun, with disruption expected until Monday.

Network Rail said the structure at Harlington station in Bedfordshire would be taken down after a new one - designed to last 120 years - opened on 9 April.

The work, part of a series of improvements, means buses are replacing Thameslink trains between Bedford and Harpenden, until 20 April.

Dan Matthews, Network Rail's operations director said: "By co-ordinating this work with other key upgrades along the route, we are keeping disruption to a minimum and helping passengers see the benefits as quickly as possible."

East Midland Railway is not running trains between Bedford and London St Pancras during this time, with a replacement bus service operating between Bedford and Hitchin.


Network Rail says the new footbridge at Harlington is designed to last 120 years

While services are suspended, Network Rail engineers said they would also carry out:

* Track renewal at Flitwick, where five engineering trains and a tamper maintenance machine will install 642 metres of new rail, along with 2,760 tonnes of ballast and 1,008 concrete sleepers

* Further work on the Access for All project at Luton station, to install an accessible footbridge and three lifts

* Drainage work at Harpenden station to prevent flooding, protect the railway and support safer, more reliable services for passengers.

Adrian Gogay, infrastructure director for Thameslink, said: "I would like to apologise to customers [as] journeys are going to take longer. Please do plan ahead, allow more time and check the latest online before setting out - especially if you are travelling to Luton Airport."

The new footbridge is set to open to the public in spring 2026

A new £7.9m footbridge connecting platforms at a railway station has been installed.

Network Rail says the new bridge over the Midland Mainline at Harlington Station, Bedfordshire, is designed to last for 120 years. It replaces an older bridge which had shown signs of corrosion.

Shak Munshi, project manager for Network Rail, said the bridge "represents a significant investment in modern, reliable infrastructure that will improve safety and create a better experience for everyone who uses the station".


New bridge components were lifted into place over Christmas when trains were not running

Network Rail said the installation was a key part of the station investment project, which also includes the renewal of platform surfaces, paving and yellow lines.

It was lifted into place over Christmas when trains were not running, meaning there was no disruption for passengers.

A 300-tonne crane with a 40m boom was used to lift sections weighing as much as 9.1 tonnes.

Jenny Saunders, Thameslink customer services director, said: "We look forward to the opening of the new footbridge, after which the car park will once again become fully available."

The project is set to be completed in spring 2026. Part of Harlington station's car park remains closed to accommodate construction facilities.


A 300-tonne crane with 40m boom lifted into place new bridge components weighing as much as 9.1 tonnes