Network Rail will carry out a package of major improvement work on the East Coast Main Line between York and Northallerton during 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. 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.
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 said:
“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.”