Crumbling bridge repairs to cause havoc with train services to and from Milton Keynes - but only for one day

Passengers are being urged to avoid travel if they can during the “major railway disruption” on Sunday September 20 when Network Rail removes the entire footbridge in an emergency operation to keep the railway safe.

But the work should be completed by 4pm, when services will resume.

The Oxney Grange bridge is near Watford on the Coast Main Line and all four tracks between London Euston and Watford will need to be completely closed during the work, affecting North West & Central and West Coast Mainline South.

Avanti West Coast services to and from Scotland and North West England will start and terminate at Milton Keynes Central, with additional services starting and terminating at Rugby.

London Northwestern Railway services will operate between Milton Keynes Central and destinations to the north, with an hourly shuttle service running between Milton Keynes Central and Watford Junction.

London Overground Lioness line services will be limited to two trains per hour between Euston and Willesden Junction, while London Underground Bakerloo line services will continue to operate normally.

Passengers travelling between England and Scotland will still be able to travel using alternative rail and replacement bus arrangements, although journey times will be longer than usual.

Thge footbridge was closed on 26 July after routine inspections revealed it had deteriorated more quickly than expected and required urgent intervention. Engineers have decided it must now be removed as soon as possible to protect passengers, railway workers and the local community.

To complete the work safely, Network Rail will close all four West Coast Main Line tracks and the adjacent London Overground Lioness line beneath the bridge from midnight on Saturday 19 September until 4pm on Sunday 20 September.

The bridge will be lifted out in a single operation using a specialist 100-metre-tall heavy-lift crane capable of lifting 1,200 tonnes. This approach significantly reduces the amount of time the railway needs to be closed compared with alternative removal methods.

Gary Walsh, director for Network Rail’s West Coast South route said: "Following a routine safety inspection, Network Rail closed the footbridge at Oxhey Grange after identifying significant deterioration of the structure. The safety of residents, bridge users, railway colleagues and passengers remains our top priority, and further assessments have shown the bridge now needs to be removed as soon as possible.

"We know this work will disrupt journeys on Sunday 20 September and we're sorry for the inconvenience. By using a specialist heavy-lift crane, we're able to remove the bridge in a single operation and reopen the railway as quickly as possible. Passengers are advised to avoid travel until 4pm and allow extra time for their journeys.

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director at London Northwestern Railway, said: “Rail replacement buses will be running and we are working closely with industry partners to offer alternative rail routes for those travelling to and from London.”

Network Rail is continuing to develop plans for a replacement crossing and will engage with local residents and stakeholders as the project progresses.