Passengers travelling into London Marylebone have been urged to plan their journeys in advance ahead of upgrades taking place on 28 and 29 March.
A section of the Chiltern Main Line will be closed as engineers continue to upgrade the track between London Marylebone station and Gerrards Cross, and between Bicester North station and Gerrards Cross. This includes a continuation of improvement work that was started last weekend (14 and 15 March) at West Ruislip. Teams will be replacing parts of the railway across a half mile stretch.
This includes approximately 370 yards of full track renewal – replacing rail, sleepers and ballast – along with 470 yards of re-railing, where worn rail is replaced to extend the life of the existing track and improve ride quality. Engineers will also undertake vital drainage improvements at Walm Lane, between Dollis Hill and Neasden.
This work will help manage water around the track and reduce issues caused by poor drainage, improving long-term reliability of the railway. The drainage works will also require coordination with the London Underground Metropolitan line, with the line blocked while the work takes place.
Carrying out this work during a planned weekend closure allows teams to deliver multiple improvements safely and efficiently, helping provide smoother, more reliable journeys for passengers and freight services using the Chiltern route. Neil Gaskin, Network Rail central route programme director, said: “These are the kinds of vital upgrades which will allow the railway to continue running reliably for passengers for decades to come.
"We would like to thank passengers for their patience while the work takes place and urge them to check with National Rail Enquiries ahead of travelling on the weekend of 28 and 29 March.” Michael Stewart, Commercial and Customer Strategy Director at Chiltern Railways, said: "These engineering works will improve the future reliability of the railway and I thank our customers for their patience during this closure.
"Please check your journeys ahead of travelling on the affected weekend as no trains will run in or out of London Marylebone. Planners have been updated and journeys will be significantly disrupted."
