TRAIN passengers will suffer major delays when 25 miles of track from Hemel Hempstead to Milton Keynes is blocked for engineering work this summer.

The £100 million project, which is part of one of Europe's biggest and most complex railway construction schemes, is aimed at creating a faster and more efficient service on the West Coast Main Line (WCML).

However, passengers will be forced to take replacement buses between the two stations while the programme is under way, adding hours onto their journeys.

To minimise disruption, the work - which includes track and overhead line replacement and the installation of a new junction at Ledburn - will be carried out over 18 weekends from August 10 to December 8.

The closure will extend to Watford Junction Station early on Sunday mornings, when passengers will be taken north by coach.

Hemel Hempstead and Milton Keynes stations are undergoing renovations to cater for 150 substitute buses, extra cars and disabled passengers.

The buses will travel non-stop, at main stops or every stop on six different routes between the two towns and specially adapted road vehicles will carry disabled people.

Bicycles, prams, dogs and large items will be taken by trucks directly between Euston and Milton Keynes and hundreds of customer service staff are being employed to assist passengers through the transfer.

The sleeper service from Scotland is to be suspended during the project.

Railtrack is carrying out the work after consultation with train operators Silverlink and Virgin, rail watchdog groups and replacement coach companies National Express and Fraser Eagle.

Discussions were also held with police, the Highways Agency, local councils and the Strategic Rail Authority.

July 9, 2002 16:00