Media centre

Monday 18 May 2026

Major East Coast Main Line improvement work continues this weekend

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Coast

A package of major engineering work continues on the East Coast Main Line over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend (23-25 May), passengers are reminded.

The projects include essential upgrades to track and drainage, supporting the long‑term resilience of one of country’s busiest routes.

The work – supporting a more reliable and resilient railway – is being carried out over the bank holiday, when fewer passengers typically travel.

The work includes:

• continued renewal work on points – the sections of track allowing trains to switch between lines – at Tollerton. This will replace the life-expired assets and allow for future maintenance to be much less disruptive for passengers.
• continued landslip mitigation work in the Tollerton area to stabilise embankments and reduce the risk of ground movement and keep the track safe and reliable.
• drainage renewal along 955 metres of the line at Chapman’s Bridge, near Shipton, to prevent flooding, protect the railway and support safer, more reliable services for passengers.

The work continues the progress made at all three sites over the recent May Day bank holiday and means changes to East Coast Main Line passenger services on 23-25 May, with rail replacement bus services in operation.*

Meanwhile, Transpennine Route Upgrade engineering work continues throughout May and June, affecting travel between Huddersfield and Leeds.**

Jason Parrish, Network Rail head of planning, said:

“These improvements are an important investment in the long‑term resilience of the East Coast Main Line. Renewing life‑expired equipment, improving drainage and strengthening embankments all help reduce delays and protect the railway.

“While there is never a good time to close the railway, scheduling the work over the bank holidays allows us to minimise disruption and deliver best value. We’re grateful to passengers for their understanding while we complete this vital work.”

A spokesperson for the train operating companies said:

“We’re working closely with Network Rail to keep passengers moving while this important work takes place.

“Although journeys will take longer and involve rail replacement coaches or buses on some routes, these upgrades will mean more reliable services in the long term. We’re asking customers to plan ahead, check before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys.”