Passengers travelling across the North East will face changes to rail services on Sunday 3 May and bank holiday Monday 4 May as Network Rail delivers a package of planned engineering works aimed at improving long-term reliability.
The programme will see Network Rail teams working at three key locations across the region, targeting known infrastructure challenges that have historically affected performance and resilience.
At Sunderland station, engineers will be carrying out drainage improvements designed to reduce the risk of flooding and better protect the railway during periods of heavy rainfall. Flood mitigation has become an increasing priority across the network as extreme weather events continue to place pressure on assets.
Further south at East Boldon, work will focus on upgrading the Tile Shed level crossing, improving safety and reliability for both rail users and road traffic. Level crossing modernisation remains a central part of Network Rail’s national safety strategy.
Meanwhile at Pelaw, Gateshead, teams will install new switches and crossings, a critical component of the track system that allows trains to move safely and efficiently between lines. Once complete, the upgrades are expected to reduce faults and improve operational flexibility on this busy section of route.
Gunnar Lindahl, joint operations director for Network Rail and LNER, said:
“By upgrading track equipment, level crossings and drainage, we’re helping to reduce future delays and keep services running safely. We’d like to thank passengers for their patience while this essential work is completed and encourage them to check their journeys before travelling.”
As a result of the engineering work, some passenger services will be altered, with replacement bus services operating on parts of the route, particularly affecting travel to and from Sunderland.
A spokesperson for the train operating companies said:
“Because of this planned engineering work, some services to and from Sunderland will be altered on May 3 and the bank holiday of 4 May, with replacement buses operating on parts of the route. Customers are encouraged to plan ahead and check journey details in advance.”
Passengers are advised to check journey planners before travelling and allow extra time where services are amended.
Image credits: Network Rail
