Network Rail is reminding passengers of upcoming major engineering upgrades coming to the East Coast Main Line during May.

The upgrades are scheduled to take place during the May Bank Holiday weekends (2-4 May and 23-25 May), aiming to minimise disruption while strengthening one of the UK’s busiest rail corridors.

Key projects include the installation of bridge beams at Landing Lane in York, forming part of the wider York Central regeneration scheme.

Completing the bridge installation over a single weekend is set to reduce costs by approximately £1.25 million.

Elsewhere, three sets of track points at Tollerton will be renewed, replacing ageing infrastructure and reducing the need for disruptive maintenance in the future.

Landslip mitigation work in the same area will stabilise embankments, improving safety and reliability.

At Chapman’s Bridge near Shipton, nearly a kilometre of drainage will be renewed to prevent flooding and protect the line.

Rail replacement bus services will operate between York and Darlington, York and Northallerton, and between Poppleton and York, during the affected weekends. Some rail services through the area will face disrupted or altered timetables, with passengers advised to check before travel.

Separately, Transpennine Route Upgrade works will continue into June, impacting services between Huddersfield and Leeds. Passengers are advised to check before travelling and to leave plenty of time to reach their destinations.

“These improvements are an important investment in the long‑term resilience of the East Coast Main Line. Renewing life‑expired equipment, improving drainage and strengthening embankments all help reduce delays and protect the railway.

“While there is never a good time to close the railway, scheduling the work over the bank holidays allows us to minimise disruption and deliver best value. We’re grateful to passengers for their understanding while we complete this vital work.”

Jason Parrish, Network Rail head of planning.