Rail passengers between Milton Keynes and Northampton to face 10 days of disruption

Rail work means a section of a busy train line will close for 10 days this month.

Railway engineers are about to enter an important phase to connect a major new rail freight interchange to the West Coast main line in Northampton.

When complete next year, the huge facility will have 5 million square ft of warehouse space and employ up to 7,000 people.

The new railway connection, which will be used by freight company Maritime, will see thousands of tonnes of goods switch between rail and road beside Junction 15 of the M1 motorway every day.

While much of the track work has been taking place without any disruption to the existing railway, the next phase will see changes to some passenger services.

The work means that the West Coast main line between Milton Keynes and Northampton must close between Saturday 2 and Sunday 10 September.

Passengers are being advised to check before they travel by visiting National Rail to plan their journey in advance.

James Dean, West Coast South route director, said: “We’re delighted to continue working closely with freight partners in delivering this new Strategic Railfreight Interchange at Northampton. This will help deliver better, faster, stronger services to support Britain’s economy and the decarbonisation of transport.

“I’d urge anyone planning to travel between 2-10 September to please check National Rail Enquiries to plan their journeys. I’d also like to thank passengers in advance for their patience.”

Passengers can plan their journeys in advance by visiting National Rail, or visit Network Rail for more information on this specific project.

Passengers are set to face even more disruption this weekend with rail strikes taking place. 

Industrial action is set to take place on 1 September and 2 September.

On Saturday 2nd September, members of the RMT Union will be on strike.

Friday 1st September will see the ASLEF union strike.

Avanti West Coast says it plans to run its normal timetable during the ASLEF action. However, customers are still being urged to check before they travel.

A spokesperson for the RMT explained: “The reason for this is the government has not allowed them a fresh mandate on which discussions could be held.

“Our members and our union will continue fighting until we can reach a negotiated and just settlement.”

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