Network Rail will close the West Coast Main Line between London Euston and Watford Junction from midnight on 19 September until 4pm on 20 September 2026 to carry out emergency removal of the Oxhey Grange footbridge. The bridge was shut to pedestrians on 26 July after routine inspections uncovered rapid structural deterioration requiring urgent action. The closure affects all four West Coast Main Line tracks and the adjacent London Overground Lioness line beneath the bridge.
Specialist Crane Operation to Shorten Closure Duration
The bridge removal will be completed in a single lift using a specialist heavy-lift crane standing 100 metres tall, capable of lifting 1,200 tonnes. Preparatory
work includes structural monitoring, site surveys, and building a crane platform. Temporary speed restrictions are in place beneath the bridge as a safety precaution while removal plans are finalised. The use of this crane significantly reduces the railway closure time compared with other removal methods.
Service Suspensions and Alternative Travel Arrangements
All London Northwestern Railway services between London Euston and Watford Junction will be suspended until 4pm on 20 September. Avanti West Coast trains will not run between London Euston and Milton Keynes Central during the closure period. Rail replacement buses will operate between Milton Keynes Central and Bedford and between Watford Junction and Potters Bar,
where passengers can connect with trains to London Kings Cross. Passengers travelling between Bedford and London St Pancras are advised to use Great Northern, Thameslink, or East Midlands Railway services. Full London Overground Lioness line service will resume after 4pm on 20 September.
Official Statements Stress Safety and Travel Advice
Gary Walsh, Network Rail’s West Coast South director, said the footbridge needed immediate removal for safety reasons and that replacement bridge proposals are being developed with community consultation. He added: “At the same time as progressing plans to safely remove the existing bridge, we are continuing to develop proposals for its replacement and will engage with the
local community as this work progresses.” Jonny Wiseman of London Northwestern Railway urged passengers to plan in advance and allow extra travel time, stating, “Rail replacement buses will be running and we are working closely with industry partners to offer alternative rail routes.” TfL’s Rory O’Neill encouraged customers to check travel information and allow extra time on the Lioness line. Avanti West Coast’s Chris Liptrot advised avoiding travel on 20 September due to reduced services and longer journeys.
Community Engagement and Industry Context
Network Rail is advancing plans for a replacement footbridge at Oxhey Grange and will involve local residents and stakeholders during the project’s
development. The emergency closure and bridge removal are part of Network Rail’s commitment to maintaining a safe and reliable railway infrastructure across more than 20,000 miles of track and 30,000 bridges. These works contribute to the broader multi-billion-pound Railway Upgrade Plan responding to doubling passenger demand over the past two decades.
