York rail passengers are being warned they face major disruption in December and January.
Work on the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) between York and Leeds will last 32 days, Network Rail warned today (Thursday).
Rail replacement buses will be needed during the work, although diversions “will be used to keep people on trains where possible”.
The 32-day period spans from Christmas Day until Sunday 25 January.
Customers are being urged to plan their journeys ahead of time at the National Rail website or their train operator’s website if travelling during this period.
The upgrade aims to deliver faster, greener, more frequent services across the North. Altogether 70 new signals and accompanying infrastructure will be installed.
Before this takes place, eight level crossings will be closed, “with most being replaced by safer alternative means for people to cross the line,” Network Rails says.
Tracks throughout the Church Fenton area will be remodelled. Platforms 3 and 4 at the station will be re-aligned and a new passing loop installed to enable direct services to overtake stopping ones. This should speed up journey times.
Nearly 1.9 miles of track will be replaced, to allow trains to change from one line to another.
A total of 45 engineering trains, 879 rail wagons, three large cranes and three tamping trains will be deployed during the work.
Adam Sellers, TRU senior sponsor, said: “Whilst we understand there is never an ideal time to carry out such essential work, this time of year has been specifically chosen as it is traditionally the quietest for rail passengers – we really appreciate the understanding of customers as we complete these major upgrades.
“The improvements will really take us a step closer to improved rail travel throughout the region and form a pivotal part of TRU plans across the wider route.”
Chris Nutton, TRU director at TransPennine Express, said: “The investment by the TRU programme has already led to real progress in the Church Fenton area, with the line between York and Church Fenton now fully electrified.
“More improvements will be made during the Christmas period and into the new year, which will lead to a better and more reliable railway.
“For the duration of these works, TransPennine Express services between Leeds, York, and Selby will be impacted, with the level of impact changing during these 32 days of vital upgrade works.
“Diversionary routes will be used to keep people on trains where possible and rail replacement buses will be in operation as well.
“Because of the changing footprint of these works, we urge everyone to look ahead and check before travelling by visiting National Rail Enquiries.”
