Over the two May Bank Holiday weekends, Saturday, 2nd – Monday, 4th and Saturday, 23rd – Monday, 25th May, Network Rail will be undertaking engineering works between York and Northallerton, affecting several services on the East Coast Main Line.

The works will include replacing points at Tollerton and stabilising local embankments to prevent landslips.

The replacement of 955 meters of drainage systems near Shipston / Chapmans Bridge will prevent future flooding.

While near York, bridge beams will be installed by crane across the main line as part of the York Central Regeneration project. This bridge will carry a road over the railway to reach the site, where new homes, workspaces, shopping outlets and parks are being built.

“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.

Jason Parrish, Network Rail head of planning

Amendments to services

LNER services will run from London King’s Cross to York, while trains from destinations in the north will run as far as Darlington, with a few running through to Northallerton. Buses will replace trains between York, Northallerton and Darlington.

Lumo services will run between Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle to a reduced timetable.

CrossCountry services will be replaced by buses between York and Darlington.

Grand Central trains will not run to and from Sunderland. On Saturday 2nd, Monday 4th, Saturday 23rd and Monday 25th May, the 11:00 Grand Central King’s Cross to Sunderland service will terminate at York and return in the path of what would normally be the 15:32 from Sunderland. Both services will call additionally at Doncaster.

On Sunday 3rd and 24th of May, the 12:00 Grand Central King’s Cross to Sunderland service will terminate at York and return in the path of what would normally be the 14:30 from Sunderland. Both services will call additionally at Doncaster.

Northern trains will not run between Poppleton and York between Saturday, 2nd and Monday, 4th May.

Work on the TransPennine Route Upgrade is also taking place across the same two weekends in May, leading to further disruption for TransPennine services. Of their services that usually run on the East Coast Main Line, there will be no Transpennine services between York and Northallerton, with buses replacing trains between these two stations and Redcar Central.

“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.”

A spokesperson for the train operating companies.