Leeds Station closure: Everything you need to know ahead of major disruption this weekend

Network Rail has reminded passengers to check before they travel as planned engineering works take place.

Rail replacement buses will serve several routes into and out of Leeds - including Guiseley, Bradford Interchange, York, Doncaster, Sheffield, Horsforth, Pontefract Monkhill, Knottingley, Castleford, Wakefield and Huddersfield.

Buses will pick up at each station along the affected route.

The pick-up point at Leeds station for buses going out of Leeds will be New Station Street and the drop-off point for passengers coming into Leeds will be at Sovereign Street.

The disruption is part of ongoing work to create the new platform zero, a £161m project which is due to be completed at the end of this year.

During the weekend work, Network Rail engineers will focus on upgrading the signalling systems and connecting overhead line equipment.

Platform 1, which is currently served by a temporary platform, will also reopen to passengers on Monday November 2.

North and East Route Director for Network Rail, Matt Rice, said: “This exciting work at Leeds station will create the first new platform at the station in nearly 20 years.

"The short-term disruption over this weekend allows us to get one step closer to establishing long-lasting benefits for passengers including more frequent and reliable journeys that Platform Zero will provide.

“We've made sure that there will be a comprehensive bus replacement plan in place so that you can still get to where you need to go.

"However, we would strongly advise you to check National Rail Enquiries or your local train operators’ website before you travel and we thank you in advance for your understanding.”

Network Rail has also reminded passengers that they must wear a face covering or mask on public transport, unless they are exempt, or risk being fined £200 for a first offence.

There is a one-way system in operation at the station and passengers are advised to travel at quieter times if possible.

Local rules should also be followed when travelling between different tier areas, particularly tier 3 zones.

What is the rule around face masks on public transport?

People are required to wear masks or face coverings when using tubes, buses, trains and other modes of public transport in England, unless they are exempt.

The rule has been introduced due to concerns about an inability to socially distance on public transport, with many commuters forced to use public transport to get to work.

Those not wearing a mask or face covering will be asked to wear one, or could be refused access to public transport and fined £200 (reduced to £100 if paid within 14 days) for the first offence.

Those who break face mask rules and repeatedly refuse to wear them will receive increased fines of up to £6,400.

There are vending machines with face masks to purchase at Leeds Station and free disposable masks are sometimes available.

Who is exempt from wearing face masks?

Government guidance states that you do not need to wear a face covering if you have a legitimate reason not to do so. This includes:

- young children under the age of 11

- not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness, or impairment, or disability

- if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress

- if you are travelling with, or providing assistance, to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate

- to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others

- to avoid injury, or to escape a risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you

- to eat or drink, but only if you need to

- to take medication

- if a police officer or other official requests you remove your face covering