Passengers across the UK have seen disruptions in the rail network as unions continue strike action - which is set to continue into the new year.

Now, planned works by Network Rail will see further disruption for Great Northern and Thameslink routes which connect Hertfordshire towns with the capital. 

In order to "modernise signalling" on Great Northern and Thameslink routes, engineering works will see routes closed on Saturday, January 7 and Sunday, January 8. 

On Saturday, January 7, no trains will run between London Kings Cross/Moorgate/London St Pancras (via Finsbury Park) and St Neots/Royston.

Rail replacement buses will run between:

  • Alexandra Palace and Welwyn Garden City - calling at all stations in between, and additionally, at Cockfosters for London Underground services to / from London.
  • Alexandra Palace and Stevenage via Hertford North -calling at all stations between, and a service between Hitchin and St Neots, calling at all stations. 
  • St Albans City and Hitchin - calling at Welwyn Garden City, Welwyn North, Knebworth and Stevenage
  • Elstree & Borehamwood and St Albans - calling at Potters Bar and Hatfield
  • Luton Airport Parkway and Stevenage (calling at Hitchin)
  • Hitchin and Royston

Trains will continue to run between St Neots and Peterborough and Royston and Cambridge / Ely / King's Lynn.

On Sunday, January 8, no trains will run between London Kings Cross/ Moorgate/London St Pancras (via Finsbury Park) and St Neots and Letchworth.

Rail replacement buses will run between:

  • Alexandra Palace and Welwyn Garden City 
  • Alexandra Palace and Stevenage via Hertford North 
  • Hitchin and St Neots (calling at all stations)
  • St Neots and Bedford
  • St Albans City and Hitchin (calling at Welwyn Garden City, Welwyn North, Knebworth and Stevenage)
  • Elstree & Borehamwood and St Albans (calling at Potters Bar and Hatfield)
  • Luton Airport Parkway and Stevenage (calling at Hitchin)
  • Hitchin and Letchworth

The RMT - National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers - is planning strike action on January 7 and 8, with Great Northern advising to "only travel if absolutely necessary".

For more on disruptions and planned works, go to greatnorthernrail.com/travel-information/plan-your-journey/east-coast-digital-programme