Whilst most people will be unwrapping their presents, the Network Rail engineers will be hard at work on the major project, which will see the track lifted, replaced and totally remodelled between platforms 4 and 6.
The complex work will bring more reliable services for customers and will also mean that more trains can run, reducing future unplanned disruption throughout the North.
This stage of the project will see new overhead wires which power some trains put in place, along with the aligning of both equipment and platforms with the new track. New signalling equipment will also be installed and tested which will allow trains to operate safely and reliably.
The project has been painstakingly planned by Network Rail to take place on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day, as there are no timetabled services in operation on this part of the network.
Disruption will affect services until Monday the 3rd of January as follows:
- Monday the 27th of December 2021 to Saturday the 1st of January 2022 will see a reduced train service running in and out of Leeds station with some bus replacements in place.
- Sunday the 2nd of January 2022 will see a very limited train service running to and from Leeds with bus replacements put in place for passengers.
- Monday the 3rd of January 2022 will see a reduced train service running with some bus replacements in place.
Passengers are being advised to check their journeys ahead with National Rail Enquiries or via their train operator and also to allow plenty of extra time.
From Monday the 20th of December to Friday the 7th of January will see the multi-story car park close to the public. However, accessible parking spaces will still be available. People are being advised to use different car parks in the area whilst the work is completed.
Matt Rice, North and East Route Director for Network Rail, said:
“Last Christmas was a non-event for many, and because of that I know lots of people will be eagerly looking forward to getting out and meeting friends and family this year.”
“Our teams are looking forward to greeting those who are out and about this festive season, and while most of the railway will be open most of the time, it's really important to check your journey times before setting off, particularly on 2 January, as the track upgrades at Leeds mean some routes will be by coach, or may take longer by train depending which days you're travelling.”
Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris, said:
“Leeds is a major hub that draws in passengers for work, shopping and its vibrant night life, and every journey through this station should be punctual and reliable.”
“The works taking place over the Christmas period are important in ensuring excellent services run in and out of Leeds, building on the work already taking place to boost transport across the North through the Integrated Rail Plan.”
A spokesperson for train operators at Leeds station, said:
“We advise passengers who plan to travel over the Christmas period to check their journey in advance – with their train operator or via National Rail Enquiries – and allow plenty of time.”
“These vital improvements at Leeds station will bring more reliable journeys for our passengers and help to reduce the impact of any disruption across the region.”
Kathryn O'Brien, Customer Experience Director for TransPennine Express, said:
“It's fantastic to see the investment going into Leeds station over the Christmas period to help deliver vital upgrades for a more reliable railway. Our services will be affected by these works, especially on Sunday 2 January, when rail replacement buses will be run between Huddersfield and Leeds and other services will be diverted. Customers are advised to check before they travel, with all information on changes to services available on our website.”
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What about electrification from Leeds to York via Neville Hill and Church Fenton. And from Leeds to Manchester Victoria via Stalybridge and Huddersfield. And to allow TPE Class 802 Nova 1s to run fully on electric mode.