Network Rail teams in York are giving up their Christmases to carry out essential work to upgrade the track north of York to make sure train services can continue running reliably for years to come.
From 22:00 on Christmas Eve until before the first service on Monday 27 December, work will take place to renew almost 750 metres of track in Skelton. Engineers will also replace the wooden sleepers and ballast – the stones which support the track.
The £1million project will bring smoother, more reliable services for passengers and reduce the amount of maintenance required in the future, therefore reducing disruption for passengers. It will also help to reduce the noise for people who live near the railway.
As usual, there are no timetabled train services on Christmas Day and Boxing Day on this part of the railway. Network Rail has carefully planned this improvement work to avoid disruption for passengers at busier times. This also allows engineers to complete the work safely before train services resume.
Stuart Skelton, Project Manager for Network Rail, said: “I’m proud to work on the railway and I am looking forward to spending Christmas with my team to carry out this vital work, which will bring more reliable services on the East Coast Main Line.
“With no trains running on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, we’re taking the opportunity to lift and replace the track, ready for services to resume for passengers.
“My family are supportive and understand how important this work is, especially as more passengers are returning to the railway. Once it’s complete, I’ll still have time to enjoy some of the festivities with them.”
Photo credit: Network Rail
