Engineering work to build a new bridge and upgrade “expired” railway equipment in North Yorkshire will disrupt train journeys over both May bank holidays.

Network Rail is set to carry out major improvement work on the East Coast Main Line between York and Northallerton during May.

The work will affect services during the bank holiday weekends of May 2 to 4 and May 23 to 25, with a rail replacement bus service in operation.

Some of the work includes the installation of beams for a new bridge at Landing Lane in York.

Network Rail said undertaking this work over a single weekend would allow it to save £1.25 million through reduced hire time for a crane and other resources.

Other work includes replacing sections of track, stabilising embankments in the Tollerton area to reduce risk of landslips, and drainage renewal along nearly a kilometer of the line near Shipton to prevent flooding.

Works on the East Coast Main Line will cause disruption for travellers in May

placeholder image — Works on the East Coast Main Line will cause disruption for travellers in May

Jason Parrish, head of planning at Network Rail, said: “Renewing life-expired equipment, improving drainage and strengthening embankments all help reduce delays and protect the railway.

A spokesperson for the train operating companies said: “Although journeys will take longer and involve rail replacement coaches or buses on some routes, these upgrades will mean more reliable services in the long term.

“We’re asking customers to plan ahead, check before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys.”