Disruption warning over rail renewal work

Passengers have been reminded that rail renewal work in Leicestershire will mean a bus service replaces trains between Leicester and Peterborough on Sunday.

Network Rail said it would be working between Melton Mowbray and Syston East Junction to upgrade 300 yards (274m) of track in a bid to make journeys smoother and reduce the need for future maintenance.

The work - which is set to cost £582,000 - will involve 120 staff and three engineering trains as well as a tamper, road-rail vehicles (RRVs), welders, trolleys and hand tools, Network Rail said.

Operations director Dan Matthews advised passengers to check their journeys before travelling.

"Renewing this section of track is vital to keeping services reliable for passengers travelling across the East Midlands," he said.

"We appreciate the patience of passengers while this work takes place and encourage everyone to plan ahead."

Network Rail added that major engineering work was also taking place between Peterborough and London King's Cross this weekend, meaning no direct trains to or from London King's Cross.

East Midlands Railway (EMR) services to and from London St Pancras are expected to be "extremely busy" with the potential for standing room only, Network Rail said, with a queuing system in place at London St Pancras.

It added passengers might not be able to board their intended service so extra time should be factored in for travelling.

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