Stretches of East Coast Main Line to close through October

Passengers on the East Coast Main Line - which runs from London to Edinburgh - are being advised to plan their weekend journeys in advance this October during railway upgrades.

Network Rail is carrying out improvements to track and railway equipment from this Saturday (October 4), in an effort to make future journeys more reliable.

Passengers are being advised to allow extra time to travel, that trains still running may use diversionary routes and will be busier, and some journeys could involve a rail replacement coach service.

"So engineers can safely carry out their work, parts of the line between Doncaster and Grantham will need to be closed to trains," a spokesperson for Network Rail said.

The closures are scheduled for the weekends beginning on October 5, 12, and 19.

Paul Rutter, Network Rail’s East Coast route director, added: "I’d like to thank people in advance for their understanding ahead of our essential railway upgrades this October.

"When complete our work will bring mean better, smoother and more reliable journeys for passengers and freight on the East Coast Main Line.

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"However, upgrading complex equipment like switches and crossings means we have no choice but to close sections of railway and stop trains running so engineers can quickly and safely carry out our work.

"I’d urge anyone wanting to travel over the weekends concerned to check National Rail enquiries and plan ahead, allow extra time to get to where you need to be, and be prepared for some of your journey to be by coach."

A spokesperson on behalf of all train operators, said: "We’re working closely with Network Rail on plans to keep customers on the move during the vital railway upgrades over consecutive weekends this October.

"We’re advising people to check before they travel to see exactly how their journey could be impacted.

"Please allow extra time for your journey, with trains which are running expected to be busier than normal and rail replacement coaches in place to get customers to where they need to be."

Long-distance rail travellers are also being given advanced notice of further engineering work at the end of October, and beginning of November on the East Coast Main Line between York and Darlington.

That will see some rail replacement coaches on the weekends of October 26 and 27 and November 2 and 3.