Network Rail will upgrade the track through Doncaster railway station in South Yorkshire during the Christmas period, which will make rail journeys smoother and more reliable.

Doncaster station is an important interchange, standing on the East Coast Main Line and also being served by CrossCountry and local routes. It is managed by London North Eastern Railway (LNER), and has nine platforms on three islands.

Over forty workers will miss spending Christmas at home and will instead work to renew six sets of switches and crossings, and to upgrade signalling equipment in the Doncaster area.

As the work will be carried out on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, it will not impact on passenger services.

Paul Rutter, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast route, said: “This is a vital upgrade which will help boost reliability for passengers travelling to, from and through Doncaster, as well as providing them with smoother journeys.

“Our teams will be working round the clock to deliver this work over the festive period, and we’re carrying out this upgrade when no services are scheduled to run, reducing disruption for travellers.

“We look forward to completing this work and see passengers benefit from smoother journeys and a more modern railway.”