Services will not run on two major London rail routes this weekend due to engineering works.

Network Rail has warned passengers that East Midlands Railways and Thameslink trains running to and from St Pancras will be disrupted on October 19 and 20.

The line between Luton and Mill Hill Broadway will be blocked, meaning there will be no Thameslink services between these stations.

East Midland Railways services will not run between Luton and St Pancras.

During the closure, engineers will work to upgrade the overhead lines which power trains and track south of Bedford, particularly the section of the line between St Albans and Luton.

It is hoped that this will ensure that passengers benefit from “smoother, faster and quieter” journeys.

Rail replacement buses are planned between Luton and Hitchin, Harpenden and Potters Bar via St Albans to connect with alternative train services into and out of London.

Philippa Cresswell of East Midlands Railway said: “We are working closely with Network Rail to keep customers moving throughout the engineering work, and EMR services will be running where possible, however journey times will be longer than normal with rail replacement buses and amended timetables in place.

“We would like to thank our customers for their patience whilst the vital signalling work on the Midland Mainline takes place.

“This work will greatly benefit our customers in the future with more reliable journeys to and from London.”