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Tuesday 22 Dec 2020

Hundreds of Network Rail workers give up Christmas with their families to complete major upgrade at Leeds station

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: North & East

Hundreds of Network Rail workers are giving up their Christmases to complete a major £161million investment to build a new platform at Leeds station.

From late-night Christmas Eve until the morning of Sunday, 27 December, Network Rail teams will carry out the final piece of the project to build a new platform, Platform 0, at the station.

Work on this major investment began back in 2018. The new platform is a key upgrade which will boost reliability, allow trains to enter and exit the station more easily and mean more punctual journeys for passengers.

Over the 2.5 days of work, final work to the overhead lines, track and signalling systems will take place, as well as rigorous testing to make sure the platform is ready for train services. Whilst the platform won't come into full use until the May 2021 timetable change, it will be available for trains to use during times of disruption, helping to minimise delays for passengers.

Adedayo Phillips is a Project Manager for Network Rail and has worked for the organisation for six years. Adedayo will be working on this project over the festive period.

He said: “I’ve worked a fair few Christmases since I joined Network Rail, however, this one is really exciting as it’s the final piece of the puzzle on a project which has been ongoing for the last two years.

“I’ll be out on site with my colleagues over the festive period, and my role will be to monitor and report on progress of this scheme, as well as others elsewhere in the region. This is an important job and will help to make sure that the project completes on time.

“I live in West Yorkshire myself, so I know first-hand the benefits which this project will bring, and I look forward to passengers reaping the benefits of a more modern and reliable railway, which will improve their journeys.”

There are no timetabled services on Christmas Day and Boxing Day on this part of the railway, so the work will not impact on train services.

People must follow the latest Government guidance over the Christmas period and stay at home or stay local to help tackle the spread of COVID-19. Those who do have to travel over the festive period are strongly advised to check their journey via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator and allow plenty of time.

ENDS