We’re upgrading the route between York and Church Fenton to provide a more reliable and resilient railway for passengers
Our work between York and Church Fenton is in preparation for the Transpennine Upgrade, which will provide more capacity and faster journeys between Manchester Victoria and York, via Leeds and Huddersfield.
The five mile stretch between Church Fenton and Colton Junction – the major junction where trains from Leeds join the East Coast Main Line towards York – sees over 100 trains each day, with up to one freight or passenger train passing through every five minutes. This is one of the busiest stretches of railway in the North.
Our work
Over the next three years, we will:
- Replace old track, sleepers, and ballast (The stones which support the track)
- Install new signalling gantries, lights, and cabling
- Fully electrify the route from York to Church Fenton – extending the already electrified railway from York
This route is a key artery for passengers in the North, connecting York and Leeds, and allowing passengers to travel further afield to Huddersfield, Manchester and Liverpool. That’s why we understand that timely communication must be one of our top priorities.
Some of our work will require the timetable to be amended at certain points, with rail replacement buses in place where required. Any changes to trains will be advertised at local stations and by train operators well in advance. Our advice throughout the work is to check before you travel.
Due to the nature of the work, people living near the railway are likely to experience some noise and disruption; however, although work is scheduled for the next three years, we won’t be working at every location all the time.
We will write to those who may be affected beforehand, detailing the specific dates and times of any disruptive work.
An electrified railway brings many benefits but comes with its own risks. 25,000 volts of electricity will be running through the overheard lines at all times. That’s why we will engage with the community, station users, and local schools to help the public – especially young children – understand the added dangers an electrified railway can bring.
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Contact us
If you have any questions regarding our York to Church Fenton Improvements, or any associated schemes, please contact our 24-hr Network Rail national helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or visit our contact us page.