Passengers travelling across parts of Yorkshire during the August bank holiday are being urged to plan ahead as Network Rail carries out an £800,000 programme of improvement works at Brotherton Bridge near Knottingley and on the railway at Sherburn in Elmet.
The investment will focus on the renewal of critical infrastructure at Brotherton Bridge, a historic structure that has carried trains across the River Aire since the mid-19th century.
Originally constructed as a Victorian tubular railway bridge, the crossing underwent a major transformation in 1903 when its superstructure was replaced with the steel bridge that remains in operation today. The bridge forms part of a wider viaduct complex, complete with approach arches on both sides of the river, making it one of the region's most significant pieces of railway engineering heritage.
During the bank holiday closure, Network Rail engineers will replace ageing waybeams, the components that support the track across the bridge, with modern fibre-reinforced alternatives designed to enhance durability and maintain safe, reliable operations for years to come.
Alongside the structural improvements, teams will also undertake essential repairs and repainting works while access scaffolding remains in place.
The bridge project will be delivered in conjunction with the renewal of 1.4km of railway track at Sherburn in Elmet, helping to improve ride quality and reliability for passengers travelling across the area.
The combined programme of engineering work will take place from Saturday 29 August to Monday 31 August, affecting some services operated by Northern and TransPennine Express.
During the closure:
- Rail replacement buses will operate between Selby and York, Leeds and Micklefield.
- Buses will also replace trains between York and Moorthorpe.
Karen Duffy, Network Rail operations director, said:
“Brotherton Bridge is a key piece of railway infrastructure, and these works will see the renewal of waybeams, which support the rails across structures like bridges, alongside essential repairs and repainting.
“Combining this work with track renewal at Sherburn in Elmet allows us to make the best use of the time the railway is closed and deliver improvements that will support smoother, more reliable journeys.
“We’re sorry to anyone whose journey will be affected and appreciate the understanding of passengers while the work is carried out.”
A spokesperson for Northern and TransPennine Express added:
“We’re working closely with Network Rail to keep customers moving while these upgrades take place. The work will help improve the reliability of the railway for passengers in the future.
“We thank customers for their patience and encourage anyone travelling over the bank holiday weekend to check before they travel and allow extra time for their journey.”
Passengers are advised to check journey details before travelling and allow extra time for rail replacement bus connections throughout the bank holiday period.
Image credits: Network Rail
