Marston Vale Line Rail Replacement Service

[DarloRich]

The Marston Vale line ( Bedford - Bletchley Line) was supposed to be closed to rail traffic with a replacement bus service due to the Bletchley engineering works over Christmas. The line was supposed ot be closed unitl 2nd January.

However, the service is still suspended and will now remain so until the 14th according to LM and the 15th according to National Rail Enquires! We are told that this is due to engineering works. LM indicate they were given very short notice by NR that the works would be extended. However not very much seems to be going on.

My question is does anyone know what works, specifically, are taking place that means the line is closed for an extended period?

 

[Mike395]

They are re-signalling the Bletchley end in preparation for services to run through to Milton Keynes Central - and I believe using the necessary blockade to do other general maintenance throughout the rest of the line - I believe this was slowed due to the bad weather we have had in recent weeks

 

[eMeS]

Will the trains from Bedford to Milton Keynes use a new platform(s) at Bletchley, or stop and then reverse through to Milton Keynes? Looking at Google maps of Bletchley station, it looks as though some extra track might be needed?

 

[Mike395]

Trains from Bedford can use either P5 or P6 at Bletchley (currently, they usually only use 6 unless there's disruption) - from memory, I think you can get onto the slow lines to/from MK from 5 but not 6, so I think they will either have to change the platform used or build a crossover from 6. (either way, they will have to reverse)

 

[DarloRich]

Platform 5 is not in use until April. There is a nice new stop block at the London end of P.6.

Once the work is done 6 will go OOU ( unless needed for an emergency/disruption) and all trains will use P.5, reversing there to reach MK via the new line they are builiding. Trains will terminate in P.2A at MKC. I think it might happen this time!

I only ask about the engineering work as there doesnt seem to be much happening or much machinery in the area

 

[eMeS]

Thanks, Mike. The quicker it's completed the better.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Will the service commence using DMUs before the Marston Vale line is electrified, or does the whole thing depend on, I assume, the faster acceleration of EMUs?

 

[DarloRich]

Thanks, Mike. The quicker it's completed the better.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Will the service commence using DMUs before the Marston Vale line is electrified, or does the whole thing depend on, I assume, the faster acceleration of EMUs?

It is supposed to start at the next timetable chnage so it will have to be DMU operation. I am sure the LM 150/153 can cope :roll:

 

[nr_signaller]

Platform 5 is not in use until April. There is a nice new stop block at the London end of P.6.

I only ask about the engineering work as there doesnt seem to be much happening or much machinery in the area

I don't believe the infrastructure is in place to get the unit onto the branch at the moment? Due to remodelling at Bletchley

 

[DarloRich]

I don't believe the infrastructure is in place to get the unit onto the branch at the moment? Due to remodelling at Bletchley

Yes i noticed tonight and checked the magic boxes at work. Stop blocks on the lines out of the sidings