Disruption expected this weekend during East Coast Main Line upgrade

This weekend (February 3-4), Network Rail (NR) will replace points and crossings, and install around one mile of new rails on the East Coast Main Line (ECML) through Darlington.

NR says the upgrades are deemed necessary to replace infrastructure that has been in place for 'many years', and will result in 'smoother, more reliable journeys for passengers on the ECML.'

LNER

While work takes place, LNER journey times may be extended by up to an hour on a reduced service of one train per hour in each direction between London King’s Cross and Scotland, with trains diverting around the work.

Additional services from the north and the south will terminate at Newcastle and York respectively, with a rail replacement service operating between Newcastle and York.

CrossCountry and TransPennine Express

For passengers travelling with CrossCountry and TransPennine Express, a replacement coach service will operate throughout the weekend between York and Newcastle. On Sunday only, rail replacement services are to additionally connect CrossCountry passengers to and from Leeds, with TransPennine Services diverting around engineering work between Leeds and York.

Northern

Northern services between Saltburn & Middlesbrough and Darlington & Bishop Auckland will start and terminate at Eaglescliffe. Rail replacement buses will run between Eaglescliffe and Darlington / Bishop Auckland.

Lumo

Lumo is expected to operate a shuttle train service between Newcastle and Edinburgh, with a rail replacement coach service running between Newcastle and Northallerton to connect into a Lumo train to/from London on a daily return journey.

The latest travel information, including how passengers’ journeys may be affected, can be found on operators websites, social media channels, or at stations.