Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) teams are set to carry out vital work on the railway between Leeds and York over the Christmas period and into January, aimed at delivering faster, greener, and more frequent services across the North.

The 32-day programme, running from Christmas Day until Sunday 25 January, will see the deployment of 45 engineering trains, 879 rail wagons, three large cranes, and three tamping trains. The work will include signalling and telecommunications upgrades, with 70 new signals and supporting infrastructure being installed, tested, and commissioned to improve the reliability and efficiency of the line.

As part of the upgrades, eight level crossings will be closed, most of which will be replaced with safer alternatives for pedestrians and road users. Tracks around Church Fenton will be remodelled, platforms 3 and 4 re-aligned, and a new passing loop installed to allow direct services to overtake stopping trains. These enhancements are expected to increase line speeds through the area, reducing journey times for passengers.

Additional works include the renewal of 3km of track and eight switches and crossings, alongside continued installation of overhead line equipment (OLE) to support greener, electrified services in the future.

Adam Sellers, TRU Senior Sponsor, said:

“Whilst we understand there is never an ideal time to carry out such essential work, this period has been chosen as it is traditionally quieter for passengers. We appreciate the understanding of customers as we complete these major upgrades. The improvements will take us a step closer to better rail travel throughout the region and are a key part of TRU plans across the wider route.”

Chris Nutton, Major Projects & TRU Director at TransPennine Express, added:

“The TRU programme has already brought significant progress in the Church Fenton area, with the line between York and Church Fenton now fully electrified. More improvements during the Christmas period and into the new year will lead to a better and more reliable railway. For the duration of these works, services between Leeds, York, and Selby will be impacted. Diversions and rail replacement buses will be in operation, and because the work footprint will change throughout the 32 days, we urge passengers to check before travelling via National Rail Enquiries.”

Passengers are advised to plan ahead, allow extra journey time, and check for the latest travel information before setting out.

Thursday 25-Friday 26 December

No trains will run, in line with the annual Christmas shutdown of the UK rail network.

Saturday 27-Monday 29 December (11:30am)

No trains will run between Leeds-York/Selby, with rail replacement buses in operation.

No trains will run between Wakefield Kirkgate-York, as well as Selby-York.

Monday 29 December (11:30am)-Saturday 3 January

Trains will run between Leeds-Micklefield/Selby, serving local stations in between.

No trains will run between Leeds-York, and Wakefield Kirkgate-York, with rail replacement buses in operation.

Sunday 4 January-Sunday 25 January

Trains will run between Leeds and York, diverted via Castleford.

No trains will run between Micklefield-Church Fenton, with rail replacement buses in operation.

Image: Network Rail