Network Rail is advising passengers that major engineering work will affect rail journeys over the next three weekends, with line closures, replacement bus services, and significant changes to timetables.
Engineering teams will be carrying out a range of essential upgrades across the region to keep the railway safe and reliable, meaning some routes will be closed and others will operate on amended schedules.
- On Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October, there will be no trains in both directions from Doncaster and Leeds to York, Northallerton and Darlington.
- On Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November, there will be an extremely limited service to and from York.
- On Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November, there will be no trains in both directions from Doncaster and Leeds to York, with replacement buses in operation.
- Buses will replace trains between Knaresborough and York from Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November.
The work being carried out while lines are closed includes:
- Replacing sleepers and ballast at Tollerton.
- Renewing track components at Skelton Junction and Holgate.
- New track at Holgate Junction, Dringhouses, Earfit Lane and Moor Lane.
- Drainage renewal north of York.
- Improving the resilience of overhead line equipment.
Other work taking place includes a £125,000 investment in Nether Poppleton level crossing to make it smoother and safer. The road will be closed to vehicles on 25 and 26 October, with a signed diversion in place. Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use the crossing, with the work site fenced off and marshals on hand to supervise.
About 150 Network Rail colleagues will be working on a £1.1 million investment at Heck sidings, between Selby and Doncaster, where the ground frame will be upgraded for safer and smoother journeys.
The nine-day line closure between Knaresborough and York will allow for repairs to Cattal signal box and the renewal of its lever frame, as well as new gates and hinges at Cattal level crossing.
In addition, the Transpennine Route Upgrade will be completing work just south of York to replace two sets of heavily used track points – crossed by more than 100 trains every day – to improve reliability for services arriving into York from Leeds.
Sam MacDougall, Network Rail operations director, said: “We’re investing in vital upgrades across the area to deliver a more reliable and resilient railway for passengers. While we understand that changes to services can be disruptive, this work is vital to keep the network running safely and smoothly for years to come.”
A spokesperson for the train operating companies added: “We’re working closely with Network Rail to keep passengers on the move while this essential engineering work takes place. Replacement services and revised timetables will be in place to help people reach their destinations, and we’re encouraging everyone to check before they travel.”
Image credit: Network Rail
