Major engineering work on East Coast Mainline closes lines

Darlington Railway Station <i>(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)</i>
Darlington Railway Station (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
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Passengers in Darlington and across the North East face significant disruption over the bank holiday weekend due to major engineering work on the East Coast Main Line.

The disruptions, which are taking place between York and Northallerton, means all lines through the area are closed while the work takes place.

This will mean some trains will start and terminate at Darlington, with rail replacement buses running between key stations.

What’s happening and when

Engineering work between York and Northallerton will close all lines over the bank holiday period, impacting services from Saturday through Monday (May 2-4)

Passengers are being urged to check journeys in advance and allow extra time, as replacement buses are expected to be busy.

Rail replacement buses will run between York and Darlington, connecting with longer-distance services.

Some services will start or terminate at Darlington, York or Northallerton instead of running through.

CrossCountry

Rail replacement buses will operate between York and Darlington.

Grand Central

There will be no Grand Central train service to or from Sunderland over the affected period.

Some London King’s Cross–Sunderland services will terminate at York, calling additionally at Doncaster.

Northbound services towards London will start from York, again with extra calls at Doncaster.

LNER

Many LNER services will start or terminate at York, Northallerton or Darlington rather than running through the closure.

A rail replacement bus service between York and Darlington will help passengers make connections.

TransPennine Express

No TransPennine Express trains will run between York and Northallerton.

Replacement buses will operate between York and Darlington and York and Redcar Central.

Passengers are being urged check before travelling using journey planners: www.nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/rail-replacement-services/

A spokesperson from National Rail said: “Please be advised that replacement vehicles may be busier than usual, and you should allow extra time for your journey.”

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