East Coast Main Line upgrades to disrupt rail services in North Yorkshire

A major programme of railway improvements on the East Coast Main Line is scheduled to take place over two consecutive weekends: October 24–25 and October 31–November 1. The works involve track renewals, drainage upgrades, and the installation of overhead line equipment to support faster, greener electric trains.

As part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, a new road bridge will be installed at Church Fenton. Consequently, there will be no train services between York and Leeds for a nine-day period from October 24 to November 1. During this time, replacement bus services will operate between York and Leeds, as well as between York and Micklefield, providing connections to trains at Leeds, Selby, and Hull.

Engineers will also focus on renewing points at Tollerton North, Colton Junction, and Northallerton, and performing track renewals totaling nearly 2.6km between York and Skelton Junction. Additional works include platform infrastructure improvements at York station and vegetation management. Network Rail stated these upgrades are intended to improve the resilience and performance of the line for both passenger and freight services while reducing the need for unplanned repairs.