The new structure will be able to accommodate the overhead line equipment needed to power faster, greener, quieter electric trains between York, Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester in the future.
The essential work means that on the weekend of 10-11 October, and from 24 October until 1 November, buses will replace trains between York and Leeds, while on the weekend of 17-18 October trains between York and Leeds will be diverted via Castleford.
Customers should also be aware that on the weekends of 24-25 October and 31 October-1 November, trains between Darlington, York and Doncaster will also be replaced by buses while engineers carry out a major programme of improvements on the East Coast Main Line. Track, drainage and overhead line equipment will be renewed across various North Yorkshire locations to provide smoother, more reliable journeys.
Adam Sellers, TRU senior sponsor, said:
“The reconstruction of Common Lane bridge means we’ll be able to fit overhead line equipment underneath, which means this series of improvement works will take us a step closer to delivering greener, electrified services through this stretch of railway and across the North.
“The reconstruction also incorporates a renewal of the life-expired overall bridge structure, preventing the need for further disruption in future.
“Our teams will be working around the clock to deliver this safely and on time, and I’d like to thank customers and our local communities for their understanding as we complete these vital works.”
Carl Harland, TRU Customer Lead for Northern, said:
“There never is an ideal time to close parts of the railway, however, the works taking place at Church Fenton is a crucial next step in unlocking future benefits that the TRU programme will deliver between York, Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester.
“While work is taking place at Church Fenton, we will be diverting services where possible. Where we cannot divert services, rail replacement buses will be in operation to keep customers on the move. Whilst we have worked hard to ensure the impact journeys is minimal, our advice to customers is that they should check their journey before they travel and to allow extra time for their travel. Our teams will be on hand to support customers during this time.”
Customers are also encouraged to check before they travel at nationalrail.co.uk or their train operator’s website.
Following the installation of the new bridge at Church Fenton, work will then start to relocate diverted utility services within the new structure, before the road is restored and re-opened in June 2027.
On 10-11 October and 24 October-1 November 2026, no trains will run between Leeds and York. Replacement bus services will run between York & Leeds and York & Selby (direct), and others between York, Ulleskelf, Church Fenton, Sherburn-in-Elmet and Micklefield, connecting with local trains between Micklefield and Leeds.
On 17-18 October, trains between York and Leeds will be diverted via Castleford. Replacement bus services will call at all local stations between York & Leeds and Selby & Leeds.
