Network Rail engineers will carry out the essential upgrade work over a period of four days from Tuesday the 31st of January to Saturday the 4th of February. The work will take place between Willerby Carr and Seamer and will see the rails and wooden sleepers removed and replaced with more hardy steel sleepers alongside brand-new rails.

The essential track upgrade will provide passengers will smoother journeys which are more reliable, the new track will also require less maintenance work moving into the future.

During the track upgrade work, Network Rail will take the opportunity to carry out the renewal of vital signalling equipment for the Seamer area which will save further disruption in the future for passengers whilst making efficient use of time and resources.

Rail replacement buses will be in operation from Tuesday the 31st of January to Saturday the 4th of February between Malton and Scarborough, journey times are anticipated to take longer than usual. Industrial action planned to take place on Wednesday the 1st and Friday the 3rd of February will also affect services.

Passengers are being advised to plan their travel ahead using National Rail or their rail operator’s website before making their journey.

Jason Hamilton, Works Delivery Programme Director for Network Rail said: “This is an essential upgrade to breathe new life into these decades-old tracks and deliver better, more reliable journeys for those travelling through.

“We’re combining projects and working over four days, rather than across multiple weekends, to minimise disruption for passengers. There will be changes to services during this time so please check before you travel.”

Chris Nutton, Major Projects Director for TransPennine Express said: “The modernisation of these tracks will make a big difference to our customers and provide more reliable journeys and ensure the long-term resilience of the route.

“I’d like to thank our customers in advance for their patience during the work and urge them to check before they travel to understand the options for their journey.”