Work on a major project to upgrade the track layout at Leeds station continues as Network Rail pushes on with plans.
The track between platforms 4 and 6 are set to be completely remodelled, consequently providing much smoother, more reliable journeys for passengers, whilst boosting capacity and reducing the impact of disruption on the network across the North.
More than 31 million people use Leeds station annually, making it the North’s busiest railway station, and the improvements are set to allow more flexibility for train services.
Engineers are required to carry out vital work to upgrade the signalling, on top of installing new overhead line equipment in order for services to continue to run safely and reliably, in and out of the station once the new track has been put in place.
"Both Northern and Network Rail will do everything possible to minimise the impact of the work."
During the last couple of weekends of September, on top of the first two in October, Network Rail teams will build a new chamber below the tracks at platforms 3 and 4 to allow equipment to be installed, and to safety carry the new signalling cables underneath the railway.
Matt Rice, North and East Route Director for Network Rail, said “in this latest stage of work, we’re making more space for signalling upgrades so that cables can run underneath the tracks, as well as installing new overhead line equipment.”
He continued, "we’ve planned the project to minimise disruption to services as much as possible, but some of it can only be done safely when some of the platforms are closed."
The Director added, "buses are running to keep passengers moving and we advise anyone travelling on the four upcoming Sundays to plan ahead and allow plenty of time.”
Most of the work is due to take place overnight to minimise disruption as much as possible, and the project is expected to be fully completed by early 2022.
Tony Baxter, Regional Director at Northern, said “the work being carried out by Network Rail is vital and will provide our customers with an even more reliable railway."
He added, “we are sorry for any disruption during the improvements and our customers can be assured that both Northern and Network Rail will do everything possible to minimise the impact of the work and deliver alternatives that keep people on the move.”
