Passengers are advised that journeys between York and Newcastle will be affected when Darlington’s new signalling system – part of the station’s £140 million upgrade – is brought into use.
The major improvement work by Network Rail will mean changes to services over three days, from Saturday 29 November to Monday 1 December.
Commissioning the new signals follows extensive testing and power supply upgrades completed earlier this autumn, and is key in bringing into use Darlington station’s two new platforms – allowing Network Rail teams to better manage the flow of trains, cutting delays and enabling capacity for more services in the future.
Passengers should check their journey details before travelling because the work taking place from 29 November to Monday 1 December means:
- CrossCountry will have rail replacement buses running between York and Newcastle, calling at Darlington and Durham.
- LNER will operate one train an hour between York and Newcastle on a diversion route, resulting in no LNER services calling at Darlington and Durham. Rail replacement coaches will operate between York and Newcastle to connect customers to Darlington and Durham.
- Lumo’s amended and reduced service will run between Newcastle and Edinburgh only.
- Northern will provide rail replacement buses between Eaglescliffe and Bishop Auckland and between Darlington and Newcastle via Durham and Chester-le-Street.
- TransPennine Express will have rail replacement buses between York and Newcastle, calling at Darlington, Durham and Chester-le-Street. Trains to and from Redcar Central will run as normal. On Sunday, some onward services between York and Manchester will run to a slightly different timetable due to Transpennine Route Upgrade work affecting the line.
Luke Espin, Network Rail senior sponsor, said:
“The commissioning of the upgraded signalling system is a key step forward in delivering Darlington station’s transformation. It brings us nearer to opening the new platforms and improving the flow of trains at this vital part of the East Coast Main Line. We appreciate the patience of passengers and neighbours while we carry out this essential work.”
The transformative station upgrade – set for completion in spring 2026 – involves Network Rail, LNER, Tees Valley Combined Authority, and Darlington Council, with the Department for Transport being the majority funder.
It includes the new platforms, accessible footbridge linking to the new Eastern Gateway concourse building, multi-storey car park, cycle lanes and bike shelters.
Image credit: Network Rail
