RAIL passengers travelling from York to London and back during the August bank holiday weekend are facing major delays.

An entire rail bridge is set to be replaced on the flagship East Coast line at Newark, with GNER trains diverted via Lincoln.

And the York-based company is warning that the diversion will add up to 90 minutes to the normal journey times between Saturday, August 26, and the Monday.

The £8 million Railtrack project involves removing a Victorian structure over the River Trent, and sliding a 2,500 tonne steel bridge into its place.

"This major project is a key part of upgrading the line," said spokesman David Mallender. "It will mean longer journeys for passengers travelling this bank holiday weekend, but will lead to faster trains and shorter journeys for all in the future." Trains will be able to run at 140 mph on the new bridge.

For full details of GNER's special timetable for the weekend, call 08457 225225.

Meanwhile, railway engines used by GNER are to undergo a £25 million revamp which will help cut delays.

The refurbishment of all 31 Class 91 electric locomotives, which are leased to the firm by owners HSBC Rail, will also bolster GNER's bid as it vies with rival Virgin for control of the East Coast Main Line franchise. A decision on who will win the franchise is expected in the autumn.

The locomotives form part of the GNER 225 fleet used on the line.

The refurbishment work, which will be funded by HSBC rail, will be carried out by international railway firm Adtranz, which has offices in York.

The project is being completed in co-operation with Alstom, whose predecessor built the 225 fleet ten years ago.

newsdesk@ycp.co.uk