Network Rail are set to upgrade the last section of 1970’s slab track between London and Kentish Town over Christmas.
The upgrade of the slab track on the line between London St Pancras and Kentish Town will help boost reliability for passengers.
Engineers will remove the older track, which was installed in 1979, between the early hours of Christmas Day and 5th January.
A new ballasted track will also be installed with stones and sleepers to support it.
The major stage of the project will take place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day when no timetabled services are running.
A reduced number of Thameslink and East Midlands Railway services will be in place between 27th December and 4th January.
Work is also taking place in the East Midlands as overhead line equipment is installed to allow to Midland Main Line to be electrified up to Market Harborough.
The power supply south of Bedford will also be upgraded and all of Network Rail’s work will improve reliability.
Gary Walsh, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Midlands route commented on the work taking place over the festive period.
Mr Walsh said: “We’re taking the opportunity to make progress on the final stages of work to upgrade the track between London and Kentish Town over Christmas.
“The project will bring smoother, more reliable services and reduce delays – and the majority of it can only be done safely when no trains are running.
“Our teams are spending Christmas carrying out improvements and maintenance work across the region to make sure services can run safely and reliably for years to come.”
The upgrades in Kentish Town will help renovate the line for years to come.
Speaking on this Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Thameslink and Great Northern said: “The Kentish Town project is bringing our passengers a more modern, reliable railway.
“We’re able to run a reduced service so that people can still travel during the work, and we advise customers to check train times in advance.”
