Network Rail has issued the following press release about engineering works which will affect Southern services between Clapham Junction and Watford Junction this October half term.

Passengers are being advised about major changes to train services between Clapham Junction, Willesden and Watford Junction from Saturday 25 October while Network Rail carries out urgent work to renew a level crossing.

During a four-day closure planned over the October half-term school holidays, engineers will work around the clock to replace rail, sleepers, drainage systems and equipment at Mitre Bridge level crossing.

The crossing will be closed to motorists from 1:40am this Saturday 25 October to 5:15am Wednesday 29 October.

The work is needed to keep the railway safe and reliable for passengers and freight services, as well as allowing a speed restriction to be removed on the line.

With the level crossing at the end of its design life, the essential improvements will secure the future of the infrastructure and allow continued access for vehicles to a busy industrial estate at Willesden.

Other work which will benefit passengers includes renewing 2000 metres of high-voltage power cables between Clapham Junction and West Brompton needed for essential communication and signalling systems.

Track maintenance, including the upgrade of a set of points, which enable trains to move from one track to another at Kensington Olympia, will also take place during the rare four-day closure of the line.

The complex work will affect part of the London Overground Mildmay line and Southern services on the West London Line from Saturday 25 October through to Tuesday 28 October, with passengers advised to plan their journeys in advance at National Rail Enquiries.

Jenny Saunders, Southern’s Customer Service Director, said:

“I know these works will mean some journeys through west London will be disrupted over the October half term, but they’ll also bring long-term reliability for key infrastructure which our services rely on through West London for plenty of half terms to come.

“If you’re planning to travel between October 25 and 28, we’ve got ticket acceptance in place with buses and other train operators to help you get where you need to be, and I encourage passengers to check online before travelling.”

Passengers should plan their journeys in advance and check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk or at TfL.gov.uk.

Gary Walsh, director for Network Rail’s West Coast South route, said:

“I’d like to thank passengers, freight customers and local businesses in advance for their patience while we carry out this important work to keep Mitre Bridge level crossing safe and reliable for years to come.

“To complete our work safely, we need to close the railway for four days between 25 and 28 October. We're asking London Overground and Southern passengers to plan their journeys in advance and check before travelling.”

Rory O’Neill, TfL’s General Manager for London Overground, said:

“This essential infrastructure work by Network Rail is crucial to maintaining the safety and reliability of London Overground services for the long term. I apologise for any inconvenience and recommend planning ahead, checking your journey before you travel, and allowing extra time while these improvements are underway."