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Wednesday 8 Nov 2023

Disruption around Aycliffe as Network Rail undertakes work to repair landslip

Region & Route:

Eastern

Passengers are being encouraged to check their journey before travelling as train services in the Aycliffe area, near Darlington, are facing disruption due to a landslip.

Currently, one of the two lines on the East Coast Main Line is closed just north of Darlington Station, with a reduced service operating between Darlington and Newcastle in both directions on the line that remains open.

Network Rail teams are on site and are working around the clock to repair the embankment. However, disruption is expected to carry on into Thursday while repair work continues.

Passengers are being encouraged to check their journey before they travel via National Rail Enquiries or their train operator, with LNER, CrossCountry, Lumo, TransPennine Express, and Northern services are affected.

Some LNER and CrossCountry services are continuing to run between Darlington and Newcastle in both directions. Ticket acceptance is in place between different operators, but passengers are encouraged to check online or via their operator’s social media channels for up-to-date information.

Paul Rutter, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast route, said: “Our teams are working hard to repair damage to the railway in Aycliffe. While we want to minimise disruption to travellers, the safety of passengers is our top priority.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience this will cause to journeys and we want to thank passengers for their patience and understanding while we carry out this vital work.”

A spokesperson on behalf of train operators said: “We want to thank our passengers for their patience as Network Rail carries out essential work to the railway in Aycliffe. There is a reduced service in place which is expected to continue into Thursday.

“We are advising passengers to check before they travel with National Rail Enquiries or via their train operator.”