Rail replacement plans for Newcastle to Edinburgh

Train passengers are being warned of replacement bus services and diversions between Newcastle and Edinburgh for upgrade works.

Services will be disrupted on the weekends of 19 and 20 September, 26 and 27 September and 3 and 4 October.

Network Rail said a £7.1m investment would include track renewal, upgrades to switches and crossings, improved drainage systems and renewed overhead line equipment.

Gunnar Lindahl, joint operations director for Network Rail and LNER, said: "By investing in this vital infrastructure now, we can improve reliability, reduce the risk of delays caused by flooding and failures, and help provide smoother, more reliable journeys for passengers and freight services."

Most operators will run rail replacement buses along the East Coast Main Line, including for Morpeth, Almouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Reston and Dunbar.

LNER will also run an hourly service diverted via Carlisle with extended journey times, and Lumo will operate to a reduced service between London King's Cross and Newcastle only.

The "major programme" of work across the north-east of England includes laying 3.2km (two miles) of track at Heaton North, Morpeth and Shortridge.

Network Rail said it was also clearing more than four miles (6.5km) of drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding and weather-related delays.

It asked people travelling on those weekends to check their journey before setting off and to allow extra time to complete it.

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