Disruption to Bedford-Bletchley rail line will continue into next week

Roads closed to allow trains to start running again on Marston Vale line
The Marston Vale line will remain blocked until MondayThe Marston Vale line will remain blocked until Monday
The Marston Vale line will remain blocked until Monday

Disruption to trains between Bedford and Bletchley will continue into next week as Network Rail engineers struggle to fix three faulty level crossings along the route.

Part of the line has been closed since last Thursday as engineers struggled to identify system failures in barriers at level crossings near Marston, in Green Lane in Stewartby, and at Kempston Hardwick.

Sensors which detect approaching trains and close barriers to road traffic automatically are not working properly.

The road will be closed at Kempston Hardwick crossing from MondayThe road will be closed at Kempston Hardwick crossing from Monday
The road will be closed at Kempston Hardwick crossing from Monday

Marston level crossing has now been closed to road traffic and Green Lane is being manually operated to allow trains to run between Bletchley and Stewartby.

Tracks remains closed between Stewartby and Bedford with train operators London Northwestern Railway providing replacement buses for passengers to finish their journeys.

Trains will start running again along the full 16-mile route on Monday – to a revised timetable – but Manor Road will also be closed to road users at Kempston Hardwick.

James Dean, director for Network Rail’s West Coast Mainline South route, said: “We’re sorry to passengers and road users affected by these problems.

"Investigations are underway with the level crossing manufacturer to find out why the automatic system which lowers the barriers is not working as it should.

“To keep passengers and road users safe, closing some roads and the suspension of the line between Stewartby and Bedford is necessary. We thank people for their patience while we work as fast as we can to get the level crossings working normally again.”

Lawrence Bowman, customer experience director for LNWR, said: "The safety of our passengers and staff is of paramount importance and we cannot allow trains to run until we receive the all-clear.

"Passengers are advised to check live travel information before setting out and to leave more time for their journeys, particularly if travelling between Stewartby and Bedford.

"Any passengers delayed by 15 minutes or more as a result of the issue can claim compensation via the Delay Repay scheme. Click www.lnr.uk/delayrepay for more details."