Media centre

Tuesday 6 Oct 2026

Railway upgrade programme completed between Newcastle and Scotland

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Coast

Passengers travelling between Newcastle and Scotland are now benefiting from a £7.1 million package of railway improvements delivered by Network Rail over the past three weekends. 

A key part of the programme focused on drainage, with systems upgraded at Scremerston, Northumberland and more than four miles of drainage cleared along the route. The work will help water drain away from the railway more effectively, reducing the risk of flooding and weather-related delays. 

Effective drainage is essential to a safe and reliable railway. If water builds up beneath the track, the track bed can become waterlogged and the track can move, potentially leading to speed restrictions or line closures while repairs are carried out. Keeping drainage systems clear also helps extend the life of the track, supports smoother journeys and reduces the need for future maintenance. 

The wider £7.1 million programme also included: 

• Installing more than 3.2km of new track at Heaton North, Morpeth and Shortridge. 
• Replacing or refurbishing eight sets of points at Heaton North, Morpeth, Alnmouth and Tweedmouth. 
• Renewing 1.5km of overhead line equipment to support more reliable electric train services. 
• Carrying out vegetation management to protect railway infrastructure and keep signals visible. 
• Completing essential safety inspections of track, points and structures along the route. 

John Grainger, joint head of performance, Network Rail and LNER, said: 

“Much of the railway’s drainage lies out of sight, but it plays a vital role in keeping trains moving safely and reliably. By upgrading drainage at Scremerston and clearing more than four miles of systems along the East Coast Main Line, we’re reducing the risk of flooding and weather-related delays and preparing for the autumn and winter weather.

“The drainage work was delivered alongside major renewals to track, points and overhead line equipment, strengthening the resilience of this important route and helping to provide smoother, more reliable journeys for passengers and freight customers. 

“We know this work meant changes to some journeys while it was carried out, and we’d like to thank passengers and residents for their patience and understanding while we completed these upgrades.” 

The improvements form part of Network Rail's ongoing investment in the East Coast Main Line, supporting a safer, more reliable and more resilient railway between north-east England and Scotland.