Planned Improvement Works To Whitby Rail Line

Rail passengers in Whitby are being advised to check before they travel as Network Rail and Northern carry out planned improvement works.

It affects those using the Esk Valley Line from tomorrow (Saturday 19th September) to Monday 28 September.

The project will focus on renewing 3.5km of old 1940’s railway track between Lealholm and Danby stations, which will help remove a train speed restriction risk. In addition, the railway bridge at Glaisdale will have strengthening and refurbishment works carried out to make sure it remains safe and reliable for many years to come.

During the nine-day project there will be no trains running between Middlesbrough and Whitby. Instead, a temporary mini-bus replacement service will be provided calling at all stations along the route and there will also be a direct fast coach to/from Middlesbrough and Whitby. However, trains will run as normal between Middlesbrough and Nunthorpe.

Matt Rice, North & East Route Director for Network Rail, said:

“This is a spectacular, scenic railway line that also serves the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and this work will make sure that it remains in great condition for passengers. We’d like to thank passengers and the local communities for their patience whilst we carry out this project and the regular bus replacement service will ensure that travel can still take place.”

Passengers are being advised to check how their journey will be affected and the frequency of the buses by visiting the National Rail Enquiries website or checking with their train operator. Posters will also be displayed at the affected stations.

Tony Baxter, Regional Director at Northern, said:

"The work being carried out by Network Rail is vital and will provide our customers with an even more reliable railway. We will continue to work closely with our colleagues across the rail industry to minimise the impact on our customers and I’d like to thank them in advance for their patience and understanding while the work is completed.”

Network Rail is also reminding ramblers, for their own safety, not to trespass on the railway at Thistle Grove railway bridge in Sleights where 23 incidents have been caught on camera since May.