Hoardes of British passengers are likely to face travel disruptions as a major train line will be closed over the festive season.
London’s Thameslink trains between St Pancras International and Herne Hill won’t run between Christmas Day and Sunday, December 29.
During this period, Network Rail engineers will lay 1,670 meters of new rails between Farringdon and Blackfriars and recycle any scrap rail remaining after the new track installation is completed.
Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s Sussex Route director said: “The rails between St Pancras International and Blackfriars were installed in 2011, and after 13 years and thousands of trains passing over the track, the rails are worn and need replacing with brand new rail to prevent faults delaying passenger journeys.
“With the railway closed anyway on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, engineers will get a head start on the work ready for this crucial route to reopen.”
During the closure, trains between St Albans and Sutton via Mitcham Junction or Wimbledon will not operate. Additionally, there will be a closure between Bedford or Luton and Three Bridges.
On Saturday, December 29, one train per hour will run between London Bridge and Three Bridges.
The only Thameslink services operating will be two trains per hour between London Bridge and Brighton, one train per hour between London Bridge and Rainham, and one train per hour from London Victoria to Sevenoaks, reports MyLondon.
Jenny Saunders, Customer Service Director for Govia Thameslink Railway said: “We know how important this time of the year is to our customers, which is why, with such a lengthy period of improvement work planned over the festive period, we want to give them as much time as possible to plan ahead. It really is vital to consider your options now. Thank you for your patience.”
Daniel Matthews, head of operations delivery for Network Rail said: “We would like to apologise to passengers who will be impacted by this vital work over the festive period. This work is essential, and it will mean smoother, faster, and more reliable journeys for customers.
“Christmas is a unique opportunity where fewer people are travelling and carrying out work then, is less disruptive to the community and therefore the best time for our teams to access the track.