Rail passengers reminded East Coast line into London King's Cross closed this weekend as part of £1.2 billion upgrade

Rail travellers are being warned not to try to travel to London by train over the bank holiday weekend.

Network Rail is planning major works as part of a £1.2bn upgrade of the East Coast Main Line.

It says the work will bring significant benefits for passengers in Newark, including more seats, quicker journey times, a more reliable service and ultimately more choice.

But, it means, over the weekend, no trains will be able to run between Peterborough and London King’s Cross.

Passengers using services that start or terminate in the capital are strongly advised not to travel on Saturday or Sunday, and to instead travel tomorrow or Tuesday.

Rob McIntosh, managing director of Eastern, Network Rail, said: “This is vital to allow us to carry out the work safely and I am sorry that this cannot be avoided.”

Network Rail will renew Newark flat crossing, which is of unique design and historically has had to be renewed every 15 to 20 years because it is on timbers that are susceptible to decay.

Timbers will be replaced with a new material expected to last up to 60 years, reducing the number of times work needs to be carried out.

Mr McIntosh said: “I understand this will have an impact and let me reassure you that a decision like this is never taken lightly.

“This is a really exciting time for the railway and this huge investment will ensure we can continue to provide a railway and service that we can be proud of, but, most importantly, remains fit for purpose for generations to come.”