Passengers travelling between York and Newcastle are being advised of service changes when Darlington’s new signalling system is commissioned as part of the town’s £140 million station upgrade. The major work, carried out by Network Rail, will take place from Saturday 29 November to Monday 1 December, bringing temporary disruption to journeys along the East Coast Main Line.

The introduction of the upgraded signalling follows months of preparation, including power supply improvements and extensive testing earlier this autumn. The new system will play a crucial role in bringing Darlington’s two additional platforms into use, allowing Network Rail to improve the flow of trains through the area, reduce delays, and increase future capacity across the route.

Luke Espin, Network Rail’s Senior Sponsor, said:

“The commissioning of the upgraded signalling system is a key step forward in delivering Darlington station’s transformation. It brings us nearer to opening the new platforms and improving the flow of trains at this vital part of the East Coast Main Line. We appreciate the patience of passengers and neighbours while we carry out this essential work.”

The wider Darlington station redevelopment, due for completion in spring 2026, is a major infrastructure project backed by Network Rail, LNER, the Tees Valley Combined Authority, Darlington Council, and the Department for Transport, which is the principal funder.

Once finished, the transformation will include two new platforms, an accessible footbridge connecting to a new Eastern Gateway concourse, a multi-storey car park, as well as improved cycle lanes and storage facilities – all aimed at modernising the station and supporting future growth on one of Britain’s busiest intercity routes.

Passengers should check their journey details before travelling because the work taking place from 29 November to Monday 1 December means:

• CrossCountry will have rail replacement buses running between York and Newcastle, calling at Darlington and Durham.

• LNER will operate one train an hour between York and Newcastle on a diversion route, resulting in no LNER services calling at Darlington and Durham. Rail replacement coaches will operate between York and Newcastle to connect customers to Darlington and Durham.

• Lumo’s amended and reduced service will run between Newcastle and Edinburgh only.

• Northern will provide rail replacement buses between Eaglescliffe and Bishop Auckland and between Darlington and Newcastle via Durham and Chester-le-Street.

• TransPennine Express will have rail replacement buses between York and Newcastle, calling at Darlington, Durham and Chester-le-Street. Trains to and from Redcar Central will run as normal. On Sunday, some onward services between York and Manchester will run to a slightly different timetable due to Transpennine Route Upgrade work affecting the line.

Image: Network Rail