Passengers warned as Sunderland rail upgrades trigger major service changes

Passengers travelling in the North East are being advised to plan ahead over the early May bank holiday weekend, as engineering work will lead to changes across parts of the rail network.

Network Rail has confirmed that improvement works will take place on Sunday 3 May and Monday 4 May, targeting key areas to boost long-term reliability. The programme includes drainage upgrades at Sunderland railway station to help prevent flooding, as well as work on the Tile Shed level crossing at East Boldon.

Further upgrades will see new switches and crossings installed at Pelaw in Gateshead, allowing trains to move more efficiently and safely between lines.

The work will result in several changes to services over the two days:

• Buses will replace Northern services between Newcastle and Horden
• There will be no Grand Central services to or from Sunderland
• Metro services will not run between Pelaw and South Hylton. A replacement bus – service 901 – will operate between South Hylton and Heworth, calling at all stations. This bus service will extend to Monument from about 8.30pm on 3 May until about 10.30am on 4 May

Gunnar Lindahl, joint operations director for Network Rail and LNER, said:

“By upgrading track equipment, level crossings and drainage, we’re helping to reduce future delays and keep services running safely. We’d like to thank passengers for their patience while this essential work is completed and encourage them to check their journeys before travelling.”

A spokesperson for the train operating companies said:

“Because of this planned engineering work, some services to and from Sunderland will be altered on May 3 and the bank holiday of 4 May, with replacement buses operating on parts of the route. Customers are encouraged to plan ahead and check journey details in advance.”

Image: Network Rail