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Wednesday 21 Sep 2022

Passengers reminded to plan ahead as major upgrades are set for the East Coast Main Line

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Coast

• Major work to boost reliability and bring better journeys for passengers will get underway this weekend
• There will be significant changes to services between Newcastle and Scotland on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September, as well as from Saturday 1 to Monday 10 October inclusive
• Rail trade unions have also announced industrial action for 1 and 5 October
• Passengers are reminded to plan ahead, check before they travel and allow extra time for their journeys

With major upgrades due to get underway this weekend, Network Rail is urging passengers to check before they travel to, from or through Newcastle Central station.

Passengers can look forward to smoother, more reliable journeys through the city, as the scheme is set to help more trains run on time. Engineers will renew 750 metres of track and five sets of switches and crossings – the specialist pieces of rail which allow trains to move between tracks.

Work to renew the overhead line equipment, which powers some trains, will also be done over the weekend. Packaging this work together will mean less disruption for passengers in the future.

To allow teams to carry out the work safely, there will be major changes to LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry and Lumo services throughout the weekend. Buses and coaches will replace some trains, while some are diverted via other routes.

Passengers are reminded to plan ahead via National Rail or their train operator’s website, check before they travel and allow plenty of time to complete their journey.

Sam MacDougall, East Coast Operations Director for Network Rail, said: “This weekend marks the start of a major upgrade for passengers travelling to and through Newcastle. This huge package of improvements will help us offer a more modern and reliable railway for passengers, now and in the future.

“Unfortunately, in order to deliver these benefits, there will be some significant changes to services between Newcastle and Scotland. I’d like to thank passengers for their patience, apologise for any inconvenience and remind people to check before they travel.”

A spokesperson on behalf of train operators on the route said: “The work taking place at Newcastle is going to cause significant disruption for services, so we urge passengers to check their journey before travelling and follow the advice given.

“We are working hard to keep people moving, with rail replacement services and diversion routes, but this means your journey will take longer and may be busier than usual.”

The significant project will continue between Saturday 1 and Monday 10 October inclusive, ultimately delivering a better railway for regional passengers, as well as those travelling on long-distance services through Newcastle.

Rail trade unions have called industrial action on Saturday 1 and Wednesday 5 October. Those planning to travel should check National Rail or their train operator’s website for the latest updates.

Visit Network Rail’s dedicated webpage for more information on the upgrade.

ENDS