Teams from Network Rail have been working around the clock to deliver track improvements around York railway station. The station, sitting just outside the historic Roman walls of the city, is part of a vast railway site that includes former works, extensive sidings, and the National Railway Museum. The upgrade included 2.7km of track renewals and nine points systems replaced.

Avoiding lines usually allow freight services to bypass the busy passenger station. However, while the tracks have been possessed by engineers at the station, passenger services were diverted that way too. Work was also undertaken to renew signalling equipment. Track heaters were also replaced – just in time for Spring.

Further East Coast works in January and February

Now completed, the heavily used railway infrastructure through York station should benefit from a more modern and reliable railway, reducing the likelihood of delays. “The work at York is crucial to keep trains running reliably and smoothly for years to come”, said Sam MacDougall, Operations Director for Network Rail’s East Coast route.

The York work was just part of the extensive planned programme carried out over the festive period by Network Rail. Other works are also underway on the East Coast Main Line, of which York is a pivotal junction. The digital programme is already underway on the southern section of the line. Later this month and in February, extensive renewals will be undertaken around Durham, between York and Newcastle, which will sever through services on the route over weekends in January and February.