Passengers are reminded that a package of major improvement work is taking place on the East Coast Main Line in May, supporting a more reliable and resilient railway.
The programme of engineering work will affect services during the bank holiday weekends of 2-4 May (May Day) and 23-25 May (Spring Bank), when fewer passengers typically travel.
The projects include essential upgrades to track, structures and drainage, supporting the long‑term resilience of one of the busiest routes in the country.
The work includes:
- Installation of bridge beams at Landing Lane, York, which is part of the wider York Central regeneration project.
- Renewal of three sets of points – the sections of track allowing trains to switch between lines – at Tollerton. This will replace the life-expired assets and also allow for future maintenance to be much less disruptive for passengers.
- Landslip mitigation work in the Tollerton area to stabilise embankments and reduce the risk of ground movement and keep the track safe and reliable.
- Drainage renewal along 955 metres of the line at Chapman’s Bridge, near Shipton, to prevent flooding, protect the railway and support safer, more reliable services for passengers.
The work means changes to East Coast Main Line passenger services over the weekends of 2-4 May and 23-25 May, with rail replacement bus services in operation.*
Meanwhile, Transpennine Route Upgrade engineering work continues throughout May and June, affecting travel between Huddersfield and Leeds.
Jason Parrish, Network Rail head of planning, said: “These improvements are an important investment in the long‑term resilience of the East Coast Main Line. Renewing life‑expired equipment, improving drainage and strengthening embankments all help reduce delays and protect the railway.
“While there is never a good time to close the railway, scheduling the work over the bank holidays allows us to minimise disruption and deliver best value. We’re grateful to passengers for their understanding while we complete this vital work.”
A spokesperson for the train operating companies commented: “We’re working closely with Network Rail to keep passengers moving while this important work takes place.
“Although journeys will take longer and involve rail replacement coaches or buses on some routes, these upgrades will mean more reliable services in the long term. We’re asking customers to plan ahead, check before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys.”
Image credit: Network Rail
