Northern Line Disruption: Major Delays Hit London Travel

Everythiiing

Jan 20, 2026 • 3 min read

A train station with commuters waiting, showing signs of disruption and delays.

Northern Line Disruption Causes Major Delays Across London

Engineering works overrun between Welwyn Garden City and Alexandra Palace has led to major delays and cancellations on the Northern Line, impacting commuters traveling to and from King’s Cross and surrounding areas. The disruption is affecting multiple rail services, including Great Northern, LNER, and Thameslink routes, with delays expected to continue until the end of the day.

The Impact on Commuters

The engineering works, which were scheduled to be completed earlier, have overrun, causing significant delays. Passengers traveling between Stevenage and London are among the most affected, with services between King’s Lynn, Cambridge, Peterborough, and Stevenage to London King’s Cross experiencing major disruptions. Similarly, services between Welwyn Garden City and Moorgate are also impacted.

Great Northern Services

Great Northern services are facing delays of up to 20 minutes, with some trains cancelled altogether. Commuters are advised to check their train times before traveling and to allow extra time for their journeys. The disruption is expected to affect services until the end of the day, with no immediate resolution in sight.

LNER and Thameslink Routes

LNER routes between London King’s Cross and destinations such as Edinburgh, Newcastle, Leeds, and York are also feeling the effects of the overrun engineering works. Thameslink services running between Peterborough, Cambridge, and London King’s Cross, extending to Brighton, Three Bridges, Horsham, and Sevenoaks, are similarly disrupted.

Travellers Advised to Check Before Traveling

With the disruption expected to continue, London commuters are urged to check their train times before setting out. Real-time updates are available on the National Rail website and through travel apps, providing the latest information on cancellations, delays, and altered routes. Passengers are also advised to consider alternative modes of transport where possible.

Alternative Transport Options

For those affected by the disruption, alternative transport options are available. Buses and other train services are operating where possible, and commuters are encouraged to use these alternatives to reach their destinations. Additionally, travelers can use the London Underground, with tickets being accepted on any reasonable route.

Emergency Works Cause Further Delays

In addition to the engineering works overrun, emergency works on Caledonian Road have caused further disruption. Temporary traffic lights are in operation on the road, and Lyon Street is closed to allow for emergency work to take place. This has added to the travel chaos faced by commuters across London.

Watford Junction Safety Check

A safety check at Watford Junction has led to further delays on services between Watford Junction and London Euston. While all lines are now open, services may still face cancellations, delays, or route changes as operations return to normal. Disruption is expected to continue until 15:30.

Live Updates and Future Outlook

Travelers are encouraged to stay updated with the latest information as the situation develops. The disruption is expected to continue until the end of the day, with no immediate resolution to the engineering works overrun. The impact on the Northern Line and associated services highlights the challenges faced by London’s transport network during engineering works.

Future Engineering Works

While the current disruption is frustrating for commuters, engineering works are essential for maintaining and improving the rail network. Future engineering works are planned to enhance services and ensure the long-term reliability of the Northern Line. However, these works often come with temporary disruptions that affect daily travel.

Conclusion

The Northern Line disruption serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed about travel updates. Commuters are encouraged to plan ahead, check their train times, and consider alternative transport options where possible. As the situation evolves, further updates will be provided to keep travelers informed and prepared.

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