Passenger services on the Midland Main Line will resume on Monday (29 June) following the tragic train collision near Bedford last week.
Disruption will continue over the weekend due to pre-planned engineering works, with rail replacement buses operating between Bedford and Luton.
Read: Transport Secretary thanks rail staff and first responders after Bedford train collision
Local passengers are also warned of a Met Office red weather warning for extreme heat today (Friday), meaning travel should only be undertaken if absolutely necessary.
Network Rail engineers have finished a complex recovery operation after two East Midlands Railway trains collided last week (19 June).
The work involved using two 110-tonne rail-mounted cranes to lift the carriages before fixing tracks, signalling, and overhead lines.
Both East Midlands Railway (EMR) and Thameslink will return to a full timetable on Monday (29 June), though short-notice changes remain possible.
Rail bosses expressed their gratitude to Bedfordians for their patience and paid tribute to driver Shaun Burton, who died in the crash.
“Complex and challenging”
Mark Budden, East Midlands route director for Network Rail, said: “This has been a complex and challenging recovery operation.”
Read: Bedford train collision: How to claim your lost property
Budden added that thoughts remain with the loved ones of driver Burton and those still recovering.
Will Rogers, managing director of East Midlands Railway, noted that the industry reopens the line with profound sadness.
Rogers said: “We recognise the disruption of the past week has had a significant impact on our customers.”
Louis Rambaud, Chief Customer Officer for GTR, which operates Thameslink, added, “The completion of the recovery work at Bedford is the result of a truly remarkable effort by Network Rail engineers and colleagues from across the industry, who have worked tirelessly and at extraordinary pace in very difficult circumstances.
“Our thoughts continue to be with Shaun Burton’s family, friends and colleagues, and with all those still recovering from the incident.
“The disruption of the past week will have had a real impact on our customers, and I want to thank them sincerely for the patience and understanding they have shown.
“We are looking forward to welcoming them back onto the Thameslink route from Monday, 29 June.
Read: Cross county foundations launch £20k Bedfordshire train collision appeal
For anyone needing to travel today (Friday), rail operators advise carrying water, wearing cool clothing, and allowing extra time.
Tickets for today (Friday) can be used up to and including Tuesday (30 June), or passengers can claim a full refund without any administration fees.
