Rail passengers are being advised by Northern and Network Rail to check before travelling on the Esk Valley Line ahead of improvement works starting.

Planned improvement work will take place from Saturday 19th September to Monday 28th September 2020.

The focus of the project will be renewing around 2 miles of track between Lealholm and Danby which will remove a train speed restriction risk. Additionally, the bridge at Glaisdale will have refurbishment and strengthening work completed to make sure it remains reliable for passengers.

Whilst the nine-day project takes place, no trains will run between Middlesborough and Whitby. However, a mini-bus replacement service will operate along the route, calling at all stations. There will also be a direct fast coach to and from Middlesborough and Whitby.

Trains will run as normal between Middlesborough and Nunthorpe.

Matt Rice, North & East Route Director for Network Rail, said: “This is a spectacular, scenic railway line that also serves the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and this work will make sure that it remains in great condition for passengers. We’d like to thank passengers and the local communities for their patience whilst we carry out this project and the regular bus replacement service will ensure that travel can still take place.”

Passengers are being advised to check how their journey will be affected and the frequency of the buses by visiting the National Rail Enquiries website or checking with their train operator. Posters will also be displayed at the affected stations.

Tony Baxter, Regional Director at Northern, said: “The work being carried out by Network Rail is vital and will provide our customers with an even more reliable railway. We will continue to work closely with our colleagues across the rail industry to minimise the impact on our customers and I’d like to thank them in advance for their patience and understanding while the work is completed.”

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