Rail track update to start in area

Between the last service on Friday July 2 and the first train on Monday July 5, Network Rail teams will lift around 450 metres of track on the busy line which runs through Ulleskelf station.

“Further upgrade work will mean changes to Northern’s Sunday service throughout July,” said a spokesman for Network Rail.

“As well as making sure train services can continue running safely and reliably for years to come, replacing this section of track will reduce the amount of maintenance work and future disruption.

“These upgrades will improve reliability in the area ahead of future improvements as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, which will bring more trains, faster journeys and a more reliable railway between Manchester and York via Huddersfield and Leeds.”

For this work to be carried out safely, a section of the line will be closed. The following changes will be in place to keep passengers moving:

Saturday 3 and Sunday July 4

Northern trains between Blackpool North and York will start/end at Leeds.

Northern services between Sheffield and York will start/end at Moorthorpe. Buses will connect passengers between Moorthorpe and York.

Buses will replace TransPennine Express services between Leeds and York.

CrossCountry services will be diverted and will not call at Wakefield Westgate or Leeds. Buses will run between Leeds and York. Passengers who need to travel to Wakefield Westgate should change at Sheffield.

Saturday 3 July

Northern services between Leeds and York will start/end at Micklefield. Buses will run between Micklefield and York.

Sunday 4 July

Trains between Leeds and York will be diverted and will start/end at Selby. Buses will connect passengers between Selby and York.

Sunday 11 July, Sunday 18 July, Sunday 25 July

Northern trains between Hull and York will be diverted via an alternative route between Selby and York and will not call at Sherburn-in-Elmet, Church Fenton and Ulleskelf.

Customers travelling with LNER should check before they travel via social media or www.lner.co.uk.

Passengers are advised to check their journey in advance via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator and allow plenty of time.

Matt Rice, Route Director for Network Rail’s North and East Route, said: “This work to upgrade the track between York and Church Fenton will boost reliability for passengers making short connections across Yorkshire - as well as long-distance journeys to towns and cities across the UK.

“The current track has served this busy line well and carrying out these improvements now will reduce future disruption for repairs and maintenance. It can only be completed safely when a section of the line is closed. We’ve worked closely with train operators to carefully plan the project and keep people moving.”