Major rail upgrades take place in York over bank holidays

The work will affect services across both bank holiday weekends in May.

Teams from Network Rail will be working to install bridge beams at Landing Lane in York, replacing sections of track and stabilising embankments at Tollerton, and draining 955 metres of the line at Chapman’s Bridge, near Shipton, to prevent future flooding across the May 2-4 and May 23-25 weekends.

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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.”

Rail replacement buses will be in operation while the works take place.

It comes as Transpennine Route Upgrade engineering work continue to affect travel between Huddersfield and Leeds throughout May and June.

A spokesperson for the train operating companies added: “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.”