Transpennine Route Upgrade to complete Christmas and New Year work between Leeds and York

Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) teams will complete vital work on the railway between Leeds and York over the Christmas period and throughout January, helping to deliver “faster, greener, more frequent services across the North”.

Network Rail said that across the 32-day period spanning from Christmas Day until Sunday 25 January, a total of 45 engineering trains, 879 rail wagons, three large cranes and three tamping trains would be deployed.

Signalling and telecommunications upgrades will see a total of 70 new signals and accompanying infrastructure installed, tested and brought into use. Before this takes place, eight level crossings will be closed, with most being replaced by safer alternative means for people to cross the line.

Network Rail added that tracks throughout the Church Fenton area would be remodelled, whilst platforms 3 and 4 at the station would be re-aligned and a new passing loop to enable direct services to overtake stopping ones would be installed. The overall line speed through this stretch of railway will be increased in the future as a result, meaning journey times will be reduced.

Three kilometres of track will be renewed along with eight switches and crossings. which enable trains to change from one line to another, whilst overhead line equipment (OLE) installation will also continue, ready to power “greener, electrified services.”

Adam Sellers, TRU Senior Sponsor, said: “Whilst we understand there is never an ideal time to carry out such essential work, this time of year has been specifically chosen as it is traditionally the quietest for rail passengers – we really appreciate the understanding of customers as we complete these major upgrades.

“The improvements will really take us a step closer to improved rail travel throughout the region and form a pivotal part of TRU plans across the wider route.”

Customers are being urged to plan their journeys ahead of time at nationalrail.co.uk or their train operator’s website if travelling during this period.

Chris Nutton, Major Projects & TRU Director at TransPennine Express, said: “The investment by the TRU programme has already led to real progress in the Church Fenton area, with the line between York and Church Fenton now fully electrified. More improvements will be made during the Christmas period and into the new year, which will lead to a better and more reliable railway.

“For the duration of these works, TransPennine Express services between Leeds, York, and Selby will be impacted, with the level of impact changing during these 32 days of vital upgrade works. Diversionary routes will be used to keep people on trains where possible and rail replacement buses will be in operation as well.

“Because of the changing footprint of these works, we urge everyone to look ahead and check before travelling by visiting National Rail Enquiries.”

•