July 2021 will see Network Rail making major track upgrades between York and Church Fenton.

The work will take place in a relatively short time frame, with work taking place from the last service on Friday the 2nd of July 2021 before being reopened for journeys again on Monday the 5th of July 2021. Northern’s Sunday service will be affected throughout July.

Network Rail will be lifting and replacing around 450 meters of track that runs through Ulleskelf station during the project which aims to keep train services on this busy line running safely and reliably over future years with less need for maintenance and the potential for future disruption of services.

Further future improvements and upgrades will be taking place as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade between Manchester and York via Huddersfield and Leeds which will bring more trains, faster journeys and more reliable services.

Below are changes that will keep passengers on the move.

Passengers are also advised to check their journey in advance via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator and allow plenty of time as part of the line will be closed. 

SATURDAY 3RD JULY AND SUNDAY 4TH JULY:

• Northern trains between Blackpool North and York will start/end at Leeds.
• Northern services between Sheffield and York will start/end at Moorthorpe with buses connecting 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 with buses running between Leeds and York. Passengers who need to travel to Wakefield Westgate should change at Sheffield.

SATURDAY 3RD JULY:

• Northern services between Leeds and York will start/end at Micklefield with buses running between Micklefield and York.

SUNDAY 4TH JULY:

• Trains between Leeds and York will be diverted and will start/end at Selby with buses connecting passengers between Selby and York.

SUNDAYS 11TH JULY, 18TH JULY and 25TH 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.

LNER SERVICES:

• Customers travelling with LNER are advised to check before they travel for the latest information via social media or http://www.lner.co.uk.

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.”