Network Rail has announced that services on the East Coast Mail Line will be severely disrupted as a result of planned engineering work over two weekends during the next month.

Works will see vital improvements made to track, drainage and overhead power lines on both 25-26 January and 1-2 February.

As a result of the works, Network Rail has stated there will be no direct trains to and from London King’s Cross on either weekend, with LNER operating a reduced service to Peterborough, which will then see passengers offered rail replacement coaches to Bedford, where they will be able to use Thameslink services to reach London St Pancras.

London King’s Cross’ closure includes the cancellation of any Thameslink or Great Northern services between London and Peterborough, Royston and Stevenage via Hertford North.

There will be a reduced service for Sunderland to Peterborough trains operating from Grand Central, with coach connections offered. Services to and from Bradford will also be suspended.

Hull Trains are set to run two trains in each direction per day, running to and from St Pancras instead of their usual King’s Cross stops. Lumo’s service will also include a non-stop rail replacement coach between King’s Cross and Peterborough.

As part of the planned engineering work, Network Rail will begin the renewal of the line north of Stevenage, investment in bridge timbers south of Finsbury Park, tunnel drainage work at Hadley Wood, overhead line equipment improvement at Biggleswade & Bounds Green and the upgrade of switch and crossing equipment at Welwyn Garden City.

In addition to the engineering works, initial preparations will also be made for the implementation of the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), which aims to deliver more reliable, sustainable journeys with the introduction of in-cab digital signalling technology.