Rail passengers to expect disruption on East Coast Main Line in October

The first round of repair work takes place this weekend

Author: Rory GannonPublished 5th Oct 2024

Rail passengers on the East Coast Main Line are being prepared for disruption across the network for planned repairs.

Network Rail have urged passenger to plan their weekend journeys in advance across October as the line is being upgraded.

The organisation has said that essential improvements to the track and railway equipment will commence from this Saturday (October 5th) and will affect the first three weekends of the month.

As part of the disruption, parts of the line from Doncaster to Grantham will be closed to trains whilst this essential work is carried out.

Those looking to travel on trains are being told to leave extra travel time to account for delays and diversions, with some journeys having a rail replacement for coaches.

LNER, Lumo, Hull Trains and Grand Central Railways have all offered their own information on the interferences.

Speaking as the work got underway, Network Rail’s East Coast route director Paul Rutter said: "I’d like to thank people in advance for their understanding ahead of our essential railway upgrades this October. When complete our work will bring mean better, smoother and more reliable journeys for passengers and freight on the East Coast Main Line.

“However, upgrading complex equipment like switches and crossings means we have no choice but to close sections of railway and stop trains running so engineers can quickly and safely carry out our work.

"I’d urge anyone wanting to travel over the weekends concerned to check National Rail Enquiries and plan ahead, allow extra time to get to where you need to be, and be prepared for some of your journey to be by coach."

As well as this, a spokesperson representing all train operators that use the line said: "We’re working closely with Network Rail on plans to keep customers on the move during the vital railway upgrades over consecutive weekends this October.

"We’re advising people to check before they travel to see exactly how their journey could be impacted. Please allow extra time for your journey, with trains which are running expected to be busier than normal and rail replacement coaches in place to get customers to where they need to be."

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