Network Rail is undertaking an overhaul to the layout of London King’s Cross Station over the next few months.

In order to reduce congestion and make London King’s Cross easier to navigate for passenger trains, Network Rail is carrying out a variety of work to achieve this.

The first phase of this work is being completed on platforms 0 to 6 and includes:

1. Simplify track layout (including replacing and realignment)
2. Reopen a tunnel (which has been disused for 40 years)
3. Renewal of signalling equipment

Downtime to the whole station is due to take place between Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th, with the following alterations to timetables in place:

Friday 23rd April

1. LNER trains to/from the North of England and Scotland will start/end at either Peterborough or Stevenage, where passengers can change onto Thameslink train services to/from St Pancras International.
2. Grand Central will run a reduced service between Sunderland/Bradford and Finsbury Park.
3. Hull Trains will not run.

Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th April

1. LNER trains to/from the North of England and Scotland will start/end at either Peterborough or St Neots. A replacement coach service will run between St Neots and Bedford, where passengers can change onto Thameslink train services to/from St Pancras International.
2. Grand Central and Hull Trains services will not run to or from London.

Passengers who need to travel are strongly advised to plan ahead and check their journey via National Rail Enquiries, at EastCoastUpgrade.co.uk or with their train operator.

People travelling to London will need to change trains and journeys will take longer than usual.

Platforms 0-6 reopen from Monday 26th of April.

In June, Friday 4th to Sunday 6th, a full closure will be in place.

Credit: Network Rail

Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail’s East Coast Upgrade Ed Akers said: “It’s strange seeing no trains, no track and no passengers across half of King’s Cross as we make major progress to install the completely redesigned, simpler track layout.

“Working with the wider rail industry, we’ve managed well with the complex track that was laid over 40 years ago, but this vital stage of the project will make it much more practical for trains coming in and out of the station – meaning more reliable journeys for passengers.

“We’ve carefully planned this project to keep disruption to a minimum, and as we start work at platforms 7-11, trains will be able to use platforms 0-6. We want to thank passengers for their continued patience as we make essential changes to the signalling over the three-day closure.”

A spokesperson on behalf of train operators on the route, said: “We would like to thank passengers for continuing to follow the latest Government guidance and ask them to minimise travel over Easter.

“Train services are continuing throughout the majority of this work at King’s Cross, which will bring more reliable journeys for passengers.

“People who do need to travel on Friday 23, Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April are strongly advised to plan ahead and check their journey via National Rail Enquiries, at EastCoastUpgrade.co.uk or with their train operator.”