Upgrades to our rail network could leave some festive travellers in the lurch.
Network Rail has announced its Christmas engineering schedule, and its bad news for some local travellers.
That’s because no trains will run between Leeds and York between Christmas Day and 2 January.
After that, trains will be diverting via Castleford for a further three weeks.
It’s part of the by the Transpennine Route Upgrade around Church Fenton, including signalling, tracks and the power supply.
Journey planners will give the best routes for passengers’ journeys during the period but booking ahead is essential as some lines will be very busy.
Network Rail’s chief network operator Helen Hamlin said: “The period between Christmas and New Year is the quietest on the railway and it’s the best time for us to do the major projects that will take longer than a night or a weekend to complete.
“We work with train operators to organise diversions and rail replacement buses for passengers who are travelling but it’s still so important to plan ahead.
“That’s especially the case this year as we have some very big plans for improving the railway that will mean people may have to travel home on different routes after Christmas than the way they travelled out.
“Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding and for planning ahead.”
Daniel Mann, director of industry operations at Rail Delivery Group, said: “With Autumn officially underway, we’re encouraging customers to start thinking about travel plans for the festive period.
“Essential engineering works are taking place over Christmas and into the New Year, so it’s important to check before you travel.
“You can use National Rail Enquiries and journey planners to check for updates, and our Visual Disruption Maps – short videos designed to help people understand service changes and make informed travel decisions – will also be available in stations and online.
“The industry is working hard to run as many services as possible, and we kindly remind our customers to remember to treat our railway colleagues with respect during this busy time, as they work to ensure a safe and reliable service for everyone.
“We also ask you to allow extra time for journeys between Christmas and the New Year.”
