Media centre

Tuesday 18 Feb 2014

Swing bridge works underway in Selby

Region & Route:

The most significant refurbishment of the rail swing bridge since it was built in 1889 is getting underway in Selby.

Engineers will refurbish the structure itself and the hydraulics on the swing span during the project.

Phil Verster, Route Managing Director for Network Rail, said: “Selby swing bridge has given many years of excellent service but the structure and the hydraulics are due significant refurbishment.

“We’re investing £8m on steelwork repairs, work to the hydraulics on the swing span, waybeam replacements and wholesale grit blasting and painting of the entire structure. Once the work is completed the structure should be maintenance free for 25 years and we will be able to run trains at line speed, removing a speed restriction.

“I thank passengers for their patience while we complete these essential works.”

Enabling works have already begun and the project will be completed by the end of November. Train services will be affected from 2300 Saturday 26 July to the start of service on Monday 8 September. During that time:

First TransPennine Express:

- Trains will not run between Selby and Hull

- On Sundays buses will replace all FTPE services between Leeds and Hull

Northern Rail:

- Trains will operate between York - Selby

- Buses will operate between Selby – Hull with a combination of stopper and express services on offer to customers

First Hull Trains:

- Trains between Hull and London King’s Cross will divert via Goole. Buses will operate from Howden and Selby and will connect to/from services at Goole

East Coast

- The daily direct Hull - London service will be diverted and will be unable to call at Selby. A replacement road service will link Selby with East Coast services at Doncaster

In addition to the above, no trains will call at Selby station from 2300 Saturday 6 September to 0525 Monday 8 September 2014 to allow the signalling system to be commissioned.

A spokesperson representing the train operators said: “We are working with Network Rail to minimise the disruption caused by the improvement works at Selby and put in place the best possible journey options for customers.

"Buses will replace a number of rail services and we will shortly be issuing updated timetables and customer information posters.

"We would advise customers to check the details of the travel and allow extra time to complete their journey. Full details of the improvements works and alternative arrangements will be available from National Rail Enquiries."