Darlington’s major station upgrade reaches a key milestone this weekend as a new signalling system is switched on, prompting significant changes to rail services between York and Newcastle. The commissioning work, part of the £140 million transformation of the station, will take place from Saturday 29 November to Monday 1 December and passengers are being urged to plan ahead.

The upgraded signalling follows months of testing and power supply improvements completed earlier in the autumn. Once operational, it will pave the way for Darlington’s two new platforms to come into use, helping Network Rail to better regulate train movements, reduce delays and create space for more services on one of the busiest stretches of the East Coast Main Line.

During the three-day commissioning period, a number of train operators will run amended timetables or replacement buses. CrossCountry services between York and Newcastle will be replaced by buses calling at Darlington and Durham, while LNER will run one train per hour via a diversionary route, meaning no LNER services will stop at Darlington or Durham. Customers travelling with LNER will have access to rail replacement coaches between York and Newcastle to reach intermediate stations.

Lumo will operate a reduced service between Newcastle and Edinburgh, and Northern will put replacement buses in place between Eaglescliffe and Bishop Auckland, as well as between Darlington and Newcastle via Durham and Chester-le-Street. TransPennine Express will also use buses between York and Newcastle, with normal services continuing to and from Redcar Central. On Sunday, some of its York–Manchester trains will run to adjusted timetables due to separate upgrade work on the Transpennine Route.

Luke Espin, Network Rail senior sponsor, said:

“Commissioning 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 redevelopment, scheduled for completion in spring 2026, is a collaboration between Network Rail, LNER, Tees Valley Combined Authority and Darlington Council, with the Department for Transport providing the majority of funding. Alongside the new platforms and signalling, the project includes an accessible footbridge, a new Eastern Gateway concourse building, a multi-storey car park and expanded cycling facilities.

Image: Network Rail