An extensive programme of improvement work delivering a range of benefits for passengers in the Sunderland area will affect journeys over four weekends.
Network Rail will carry out engineering work at Sunderland station and various nearby sites on the weekends of 27-28 June, 4-5 July, 11-12 July and 18-19 July.
The work includes:
- 664 metres of track renewal through both platforms at Sunderland station for smoother, more reliable journeys for passengers complete renewal of eight sets of points – the sections of track allowing trains to switch between lines – to improve reliability of this important equipment. These switches and crossings allow Nexus Metro services to access the main line and allow operators to access the sidings where trains reverse when they start or terminate at Sunderland. The work is made more complex due to the points being close to Sunderland station platforms and between two tunnel bores.
- Renewing point heating equipment, which warms the rails to prevent snow and ice accumulating, helping to keep the equipment working and train services running in cold weather
- Renewal of 373 metres of the drainage system at Brockley Whins to help prevent flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, supporting safer, more reliable services for passengers.
- Road resurfacing at Boldon Lane and Tile Shed level crossings to provide a smoother ride for road users and reduce wear on the rail infrastructure.
- Installation of new components in a set of points at Boldon to keep the asset in working order.
- Removal of overgrown vegetation which is encroaching on the railway and threatening to obscure two signals, which would cause delays.
The work means that on 27-28 June, 4-5 July and 11-12 July:
- Grand Central services between Sunderland and London King’s Cross will operate between Seaham/Hartlepool and London King’s Cross only, with rail replacement buses operating between Sunderland and Seaham/Hartlepool. On Sundays, the first train to London will start from Eaglescliffe at 09.24, with a replacement bus running from Sunderland at 07.40 to Eaglescliffe to connect with the train.
- Northern will have rail replacement buses between Newcastle and Horden. An amended train service will run between Carlisle and Newcastle, and between Seaham and Middlesbrough.
- No Metro trains will run between Brockley Whins and South Hylton. A replacement bus service – number 901 – will run in both directions. Trains will be running elsewhere on the system but may not run to the usual timetable.
And on 18-19 July:
- Grand Central will have rail replacement buses between Sunderland and Eaglescliffe. Trains will run between Eaglescliffe and London King’s Cross.
- Northern will operate rail replacement buses between Newcastle and Middlesbrough.
Gunnar Lindahl, joint operations director for Network Rail and LNER, said: “This is a significant programme of upgrades over four weekends to improve the reliability and resilience of the railway for passengers in the Sunderland area. This includes renewing track, points and drainage, as well as improvements at level crossings and other locations. We know this work will disrupt journeys and we’re sorry for any inconvenience but these weekends of intensive engineering work will deliver significant benefits for passengers.”
A spokesperson for the train operating companies commented: “We’re working closely with Network Rail to keep people on the move during the weekends when this important engineering work takes place. We’re encouraging customers to plan ahead and check before they travel, as replacement buses will be in operation and journey times may be longer.”
Image credit: Network Rail
