South London train users have been warned of Christmas disruption meaning no service on a crucial part of the Thameslink route.
Track replacements mean the line between St Pancras International and Herne Hill will close from Christmas Day until Sunday, December 29.
Passengers have been asked to plan ahead and check before travelling. Buses will run on some routes and diversions along others.
Network Rail engineers will install 1,670m of new rails between Farringdon and Blackfriars, and recycle leftover scrap rail, as part of the works.
Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s Sussex Route director said: “The rails between St Pancras International and Blackfriars were installed in 2011, and after thirteen 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.”
Passenger advice
- Trains between St Albans City and Sutton via Mitcham Junction/Wimbledon will not run.
- Trains between Bedford/Luton and Three Bridges will not run. On Sunday 29 December, the service will only run between London Bridge and Three Bridges (1 train per hour).
- Trains between Bedford and Brighton will only run between London Bridge and Brighton (2 trains per hour).
- Trains between Luton and Rainham will only run between London Bridge and Rainham (1 train per hour).
- Trains between London Blackfriars and Sevenoaks will run between London Victoria and Sevenoaks (1 train per hour).
