Network Rail will carry out a package of major improvement work on the East Coast Main Line between York, Thirsk and Northallerton during May.
Buses will replace trains over two bank holiday weekends during the bank holiday weekends of 2-4 May (May Day) and 23-25 May (Spring Bank).
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. This project is being delivered in a joint venture partnership between McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate on behalf of Homes England and Network Rail and represents a £135 million investment in infrastructure – delivering new homes, retail, work spaces and park lands. The work to install the new bridge forms part of a new access road to the site and is being undertaken over a single weekend, meaning the crane hire and other key resources is for a shorter, single period of time – meaning a saving of £1.25 million.
- 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.
CrossCountry: Rail replacement buses will operate between York and Darlington.
Grand Central: No service to/from Sunderland via Thirsk and Northallerton.
LNER: Trains to and from the south will start and terminate at York, with trains to and from the north starting or terminating at Darlington or Northallerton. Rail replacement services will be in place between York, Northallerton and Darlington to assist with connections.
Northern (2-4 May only): A rail replacement bus service will be in place between Poppleton and York.
TransPennine Express: No trains between York, Thirsk and Northallerton. Replacement buses will operate between York and Darlington/Redcar Central.
