Network Rail is about to replace nearly 1.9 miles of track between York and Newcastle.
When finished, the work will improve reliability between the two cities, but it will cause travel disruption in the meantime.
Network Rail will replace the track – refreshing the rails, sleepers and supporting stones – on these weekends:
- 29-30 January
- 5-6 February, and
- 12-13 February.
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Limited services and rail replacement buses will keep passengers moving between York and Newcastle through the three weekends of work, as sports fans travel to watch the Six Nations game at Murrayfield on 5 February and Newcastle United play against Aston Villa at St James’ Park on 13 February.
Those travelling with CrossCountry, Grand Central, LNER, Lumo, Northern or TransPennine Express, should plan their journey in advance using the National Rail Enquiries journey planner.
Neil Henry, east coast operations director for Network Rail, said: “We’re doing this work across a few weekends to keep the railway open for passengers, including key workers, through the week – and we’re packing in additional work to minimise future disruption.
“When complete, this vital section of the East Coast Main Line will see fewer delays, helping to provide better journeys along the whole route.”
LNER will operate services between York and Newcastle via a diversionary route. This will see a reduced number of services with extended journey times.
Rail replacement coaches will operate between York and Newcastle to provide connections for passengers travelling to and from Durham, Darlington and Chester-le Street in all three weekends and to and from Northallerton in the second and third weekend.