Passengers are being advised to plan ahead of travel between Middlesbrough and Whitby from Sunday, 22 February until Saturday, 28 February, while a full upgrade is carried out at the Nunthorpe Level Crossing.

Network Rail is replacing the ageing crossing with a modern sliding barrier, an upgraded operating system, and a newly resurfaced road layout.

During the upgrade, Marton Moor Road will be closed to both vehicles and pedestrians from 19:00 on Sunday, 22 February until 05:30 on Saturday, 28 February. A clearly signposted diversion will be in place.

Shuttle buses will run every 20 minutes, stopping at the Arriva 28 and 28A bus stops and calling at Nunthorpe Academy for connections to rail replacement services. Buses will depart from the turning circle outside the Academy on Guisborough Road.

Passengers are encouraged to allow extra travel time and carry only what they can manage comfortably. Rail replacement buses will serve all stations between Middlesbrough and Whitby during the closure.

“We’re fully renewing Nunthorpe level crossing to improve safety and reliability for everyone using the railway and the road. The existing crossing needs to be replaced due to the age and condition of the current equipment, and we’ve scheduled the work for half-term week to minimise disruption as much as we can.

“We appreciate there will be some disruption while the work takes place and thank the community for their patience and understanding.”

Amelia Fordyce, Network Rail project manager.