Plan ahead: Reliability-boosting upgrades are set for the Hertford Loop line and Northern City Line

Network Rail have issued the following press release about planned engineering work that will affect Great Northern services on 30 July and 5/6 August:

Passengers can look forward to smoother, more reliable journeys as major work gets under way on the Hertford Loop line and Northern City Line.

On Sunday 30 July, engineers will work to renew track and signals, the traffic lights of the railway, as well as overhead line equipment on the Hertford Loop line. Packaging this work together will mean less disruption for passengers in the future. To allow teams to carry out the work safely, buses will replace trains between Alexandra Palace and Stevenage via Hertford North.

On Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 August, there will be significant upgrades to tunnels between Moorgate and Finsbury Park, which will help to minimise noise and vibrations when trains pass through. Between Alexandra Palace and Stevenage, teams will also renew overhead line equipment to make them more resilient during extreme weather conditions, as well carrying out work to prepare the line for digital signalling, as part of the East Coast Digital Programme. These upgrades will mean changes to services and no trains will run between Moorgate and Finsbury Park, with passengers advised to use London Underground and London Bus route 271. Buses will also replace trains all weekend between Alexandra Palace and Stevenage via Hertford North.

Passengers are urged to plan ahead, allow extra time and check their journey via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator.

Jason Parrish, Head of Planning for Network Rail’s East Coast Route, said: “These upgrades to both the Hertford Loop line and Northern City Line will ultimately improve reliability for passengers and lead to smoother journeys.

“I’m pleased that we are also making significant improvements to tunnels between Moorgate and Finsbury Park, as this will help to reduce noise and vibrations from trains which will greatly benefit people living near the railway.

“There will be changes to services, so I’d like to thank passengers for their patience whilst we complete this important work. Our best advice for anyone who is planning to travel is to check National Rail Enquiries or their train operator’s website before setting off.”

Jenny Saunders, Customer Service Director for Govia Thameslink Railway, who operate Great Northern trains, said: “Network Rail are modernising the infrastructure to make journeys more reliable and comfortable for our passengers on the Hertford Loop and in and out of Moorgate.

"Buses will be running instead of trains between Alexandra Palace and Stevenage via Hertford North on all three dates, and there’ll be no Great Northern service between Finsbury Park and Moorgate on the 5 and 6 of August, so please allow plenty of extra time, and check your route and journey times before you travel.”

ENDS