Rail passengers travelling to and from York face significant disruption over the upcoming May Bank Holiday weekend due to major engineering works on the rail line between York and Northallerton.
The Network Rail improvement programme, which is part of a £140.5 million national investment, is set to take place from 2 May to 4 May 2026. A second period of work is also planned for the final Bank Holiday weekend of the month, running from 23 May to 25 May 2026.
During the first weekend of works, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) services will be heavily affected. Southbound trains coming from Scotland and Newcastle will terminate at Darlington or Northallerton. Northbound services from London King’s Cross, which would typically continue towards the north, will stop at York. To assist passengers during these changes, rail replacement coaches will operate between York, Northallerton, and Darlington.
The engineering project includes installing bridge beams at Landing Lane as part of the wider £135 million York Central regeneration scheme. Other essential work involves replacing three sets of points at Tollerton, stabilising embankments to prevent landslips, and improving drainage at Chapman’s Bridge near Shipton.
Jason Parrish, Network Rail head of planning, acknowledged the impact on travel, noting that while there is never a convenient time to close the railway, scheduling these works over bank holidays is intended to minimise disruption for passengers.
In addition to the rail line works, passengers using York Station should be aware that the station’s long-stay car park is currently closed for the York Station Gateway project, which involves the construction of a new multi-storey facility. Passengers are encouraged to plan their travel well in advance and allow extra time for their journeys.
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