Rail passengers have been warned to expect service disruption between Bedford and Luton until the end of next week following a train crash.
On Friday, a collision between two East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains in the Bedford area injured 100, and resulted in the death of an EMR driver.
Network Rail has now advised passengers to only travel on this route if their journey is “essential” and to check live updates before they travel.
No Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR) services will run north of Luton and no EMR services south of Bedford, with limited rail replacement buses in operation.
A “complex” recovery operation has started to clear the trains and carriages from the railway, including removing overhead electrical wires to support the operation of a crane.
From Monday, no EMR services will run between Bedford and London St Pancras, and a reduced service will operate on EMR Intercity and Connect routes.
One hourly train between Sheffield and Bedford, Nottingham and Bedford, and Corby and Kettering is scheduled to run in each direction.
Rail replacement buses will also depart on the hour between Kettering and Luton and Luton Airport Parkway.
“EMR Luton Airport Express services will not run whilst the recovery operation continues,” said Network Rail.
Thameslink services north of London St Pancras will run as far as Luton only.
Four trains will operate to and from London during peak hours, and two trains outside of peak hours.
As of Monday, a shuttle from Bedford to Luton Airport Parkway will arrive every 30 minutes.
GTR said extra staff will be on hand at “key stations along the route to help and support customers with their journeys”.
Will Rogers, managing director for East Midlands Railway, said: “We are working closely with Network Rail and Thameslink to support those involved and assist with the ongoing recovery. Whilst this complex operation is underway, we ask that customers only travel on EMR’s Intercity and Connect services if essential. Please check before you travel.”
Train operators are accepting tickets for EMR customers on alternative routes while the Midland Mainline is closed at Bedford.
Tickets will also be valid should customers decide to travel on EMR once the line is reopened.
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail eastern regional managing director, added: “Colleagues from across the rail industry are working together at pace to remove the trains and carriages from the railway and complete the repairs to the tracks. This is a complex and challenging task, and our teams will be working tirelessly to reopen the railway so we can resume services between Bedford and London.
“While investigations are still at an early stage, current indications are that this was a tragic, isolated incident. We are focused on the safe reopening of the railway and getting services running as quickly as possible.
“During this time, our message to passengers is clear – please expect disruption to services through this area for the majority of next week and only travel if absolutely necessary.”
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