Network Rail upgrades in Yorkshire: Major railway improvements to be made over Christmas and new year between Leeds and York
There are major railway improvements that will be made over Christmas and new year between Leeds and York - here’s everything you need to know.
Christmas and early 2026 will see major strides made on projects in Network Rail’s North and East route which is part of the £160 million of railway investment nationally this festive season.
Most of the Christmas work will be completed when trains are not running but passengers are advised to check all parts of their journey before travelling.
The main bulk of the work involved in strengthening two platforms at Chesterfield station will take place, along with renewal of the switches and crossing that guide trains safely from one line to another, and in the new year, two level crossings will be upgraded.
All this work is in addition to the Transpennine Route Upgrade project delivering Christmas and new year improvements between Leeds and York.
The main work to strengthen two platforms at Chesterfield station will take place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
The £3.3 million project will see 40-metre sections of platforms one and two reconstructed to provide better structural integrity - improving passenger experience and reducing maintenance costs in the long-term.
The work will take place from 10.30pm on Christmas Eve until the early hours of December 27, 2025, meaning there is no impact on passenger services.
Also taking place during Christmas Day and Boxing Day will be the renewal of switches and crossings at Crofton West, South Kirkby and Whitehall Junction, West Yorkshire.
Into the new year, there will be upgrades taking place which affect passenger services, including the renewal of:
- Driffield level crossing, meaning buses replace trains between Beverley and Bridlington on Sunday, January 4, 2026
- Switches crossings at Moorthorpe Junction, meaning buses replace trains between Rotherham Central and Wakefield Westgate/York on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January
- Burton Agnes level crossing, meaning rail replacement buses operating between Beverley and Bridlington on Sunday, January 11, 2026
- Hessle Road signal box panel, near Hull, affecting journeys on Sunday, January 11. Replacement buses will connect Hull with Brough, Google, Selby, Bridlington, Scarborough and Doncaster
Network Rail operations director of North and East route, Karen Duffy, said: “This Christmas and new year, we’re making major strides on projects across the North & East route, as part of the national £130 million of investment to improve reliability and safety for passengers.
“These upgrades will help deliver a more resilient railway for the future. We’d like to thank passengers for their patience and encourage everyone to check before they travel.”