Major Rail Disruption Across Rutland and the East Midlands, this weekend.
Passengers planning to travel through Peterborough, Stamford, Oakham, Melton Mowbray, and Leicester this weekend are being warned of significant disruption. On Sunday, 22 February 2026, a total line closure will be in place, with rail replacement buses taking the place of all train services.
The disruption is part of a coordinated effort by Network Rail to carry out essential track renewals and prepare for major digital signalling upgrades on the East Coast Main Line.
On Sunday, Network Rail teams will be working between Melton Mowbray and Syston East Junction to renew 300 yards of track. This £582,000 investment is designed to improve reliability and reduce the need for emergency repairs in the future.
Buses will replace all trains between Leicester and Peterborough.
Replacement services will call at all intermediate stations, including Melton Mowbray, Oakham, and Stamford.
Passengers should expect significantly longer journey times compared to standard rail services.
East Coast Main Line No Trains to London King’s Cross
The disruption extends beyond the local route. This weekend (21-22 February), major engineering work for the East Coast Digital Programme means no direct trains will run between Peterborough and London King’s Cross.
LNER services from the North will terminate at Peterborough. From there, passengers must use a bus replacement service to Bedford, where they can catch a Thameslink train into London St Pancras International.
With King’s Cross closed, East Midlands Railway (EMR) services to and from London St Pancras are expected to bear the brunt of the diverted traffic.
EMR warns that services will be "exceptionally busy" with only 25% of the usual combined rail capacity available.
Many trains are expected to be at full capacity with standing room only.
A formal queuing system will be in place at London St Pancras. It is highly likely that you will not be able to board your first choice of train.
If possible, passengers are strongly urged to travel on Friday, 20 February or Monday, 23 February instead.
