Passengers travelling between Doncaster and Cleethorpes will face disruption this weekend as Network Rail carries out essential improvement work at the historic Keadby sliding railway bridge.
The unique bridge, which links South Yorkshire with Scunthorpe and the Lincolnshire coast, sits on one of the UK’s busiest freight corridors and plays a critical role in both passenger and logistics movements across the region.
Over the weekend of Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May, Network Rail engineers will install a new track system and upgrade key mechanical components. The work is designed to improve rail alignment across the bridge, delivering smoother journeys and increasing long‑term reliability while reducing the need for future maintenance interventions.
Weekend service changes
As a result of the engineering work, train services will be amended across the route.
TransPennine Express services will operate between Liverpool Lime Street and Doncaster only on both days. Rail replacement buses will run between Doncaster and Scunthorpe/Cleethorpes.
For Northern passengers, services on Saturday will run between Doncaster and Hatfield & Stainforth only, with replacement buses operating between Hatfield & Stainforth and Scunthorpe. Additional Northern services will operate between Sheffield and Cleethorpes via Gainsborough Central. Northern does not operate services between Doncaster and Scunthorpe on Sundays.
Further disruption next week
In addition to the weekend work, Network Rail will also be undertaking track renewal south of Elsham, Lincolnshire, throughout the following week.
From Monday 18 to Friday 22 May, TransPennine Express services from Liverpool Lime Street will terminate at Scunthorpe, with rail replacement buses running between Scunthorpe and Cleethorpes.
Industry voices
Karen Duffy, Network Rail operations director, said:
“By improving the alignment of the track, we can deliver smoother journeys and reduce the need for future maintenance. We’d like to thank passengers for their patience while this essential work takes place and encourage them to check before they travel.”
A spokesperson for TransPennine Express and Northern said:
“We’re working closely with Network Rail to support these important improvements. While services will be amended over the weekend and into next week, these upgrades will help provide more reliable journeys in future. We’d like to thank customers for their understanding and encourage them to plan ahead and allow extra time when travelling.”
A bridge with a long engineering legacy
The latest work follows a programme of mechanical and structural improvements carried out at Keadby sliding bridge over the past 12 months. This has included repainting the structure white to reduce heat absorption, helping to manage thermal expansion during warmer weather.
Dating back to the 1860s and converted into a sliding bridge in 1925, the structure spans the Stainforth and Keadby Canal. Due to its age and strategic importance, maintenance activity remains at a heightened level to ensure the bridge continues to operate safely and reliably on this heavily used corridor.
Passengers are advised to check before travelling and allow additional time for their journeys.
Image credit: Network Rail
