Network Rail engineers are preparing to carry out more than 630 projects across Britain’s rail network during the early and late May bank holiday weekends, investing a total of GBP 133 million in railway infrastructure.
While most of the rail network will remain open, the planned works aim to take advantage of typically quieter travel periods to minimise disruption for passengers and freight operators. The extended bank holiday periods allow more complex improvements to be completed that are not possible during standard weekend closures.
“This May, thousands of workers will be out in force as we continue to invest in making Britain’s railway more reliable, with GBP 133m worth of essential upgrades taking place across the two Bank Holiday weekends,” Helen Hamlin, Network Rail‘s director of system operations, said. She added: “While the vast majority of the network will remain open for business as usual, we’re encouraging passengers planning to use the railway to check their journeys in advance.”
Key projects – Early May bank holiday (3–5 May)
- London Euston to Milton Keynes Central: No trains will operate between these stations on Sunday 4 and Monday 5 May due to embankment repairs, track renewals and drainage upgrades.
- London Victoria: Major works at Battersea will disrupt services. Platforms 1–8 will be closed and no Southeastern trains will run to or from Victoria on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May. Services will divert via London Bridge or Cannon Street. Gatwick Express and Southern services will run reduced timetables.
- Cambridge to Audley End: Signalling upgrades in preparation for Cambridge South station mean no rail services will operate between Cambridge and Audley End from Saturday 3 to Monday 5 May. Rail replacement buses will be in place, with further provision for passengers travelling to Stansted Airport.
Key projects – Late May bank holiday (24–26 May)
- London St Pancras International to Bedford: Overhead line upgrades will suspend services between St Pancras and Bedford on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May. East Midlands Railway and Thameslink services will start and terminate at Bedford and St Albans or Harpenden respectively.
- Nuneaton to Stafford: Structures, HS2-related works, and earthworks from 24–30 May will require a reduced timetable for Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, and CrossCountry services. Rail replacement buses will also be in operation.
Across the two weekends, the early May bank holiday will see 359 projects delivered at a value of GBP 67.4 million, with a further 277 projects worth GBP 65.3 million planned for the late May period.
“When we close parts of the railway, we work hard to maximise that time — with over 630 vital pieces of work being carried out — and keep disruption to a minimum for passengers and freight customers,” Hamlin added.
Passengers are advised to check their journeys in advance via National Rail Enquiries or train operator websites.
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