May bank holiday warning as households told to make 1 check before Friday

Households across the UK are being warned to make an important check before the May Bank Holiday, as major disruption is expected on the railways. Network Rail is carrying out improvements to the railway this spring, which coincide with the bank holiday weekends this month, meaning some train journeys may be affected.

The rail firm said “a considerable number” of engineering and improvement projects will be carried out during both May bank holiday weekends, which fall at the beginning and end of the month. The biggest works taking place over the upcoming early May bank holiday weekend from Friday, May 2, to Monday, May 4, will affect Liverpool Lime Street, the East Coast Main Line between York and Darlington, London Charing Cross, London Euston, Huddersfield, Ely and Bath Spa.

Further works will disrupt some routes on the late May bank holiday from Friday, May 23, to Monday, May 25, with the biggest works taking place at London St Pancras International to London Blackfriars and the East Coast Main Line from York to Darlington.

Other significant engineering work is also being carried out to and from East Grinstead/Uckfield, between Bristol Parkway and Newport, at Hunddesfield and at London Cannon Street, which may impact journeys.

The firm said some train companies will be making changes to their timetable and to some train times to match services to the number of passengers travelling. Rail replacement bus services will be in place on some routes due to the works.

Network Rail stressed that “the vast majority” of Britain’s rail network will be open for passengers travelling this May, but the upcoming early May bank holiday does feature work in some busy locations, so passengers are urged to check routes before they travel.

Anit Chandarana, Network Rail’s group director, System Operator, said:  “There is no ‘right way’ to do major work on our railway, but bank holidays are still among the least busy times for us in terms of passenger numbers and freight services.

“Those extra days with fewer travellers give us an opportunity to do longer projects that we couldn’t do in a normal two-day weekend or overnight.

“So while most of our railway is open as usual over the bank holidays this May, there are some major exceptions and we also have two major projects getting underway in Yorkshire and between Newport and Bristol that passengers should be aware of.  I’d advise everyone to plan ahead and check before they travel.”

The major train routes that will be affected by engineering and improvement works over the early May bank holiday, from May 2 to May 4, include the following:

East Coast Main Line

Work to rebuild a junction at Tollerton on the East Coast Main Line in North Yorkshire means buses will replace trains between York and Darlington between Saturday, May 3, and Monday, May 4, with a limited train service from Northallerton to Darlington. Trains restart on Tuesday, May 5.

A spokesperson for the train operating companies said: “We’re working closely with Network Rail to keep passengers moving while this important work takes place.

“Although journeys will take longer and involve rail replacement coaches or buses on some routes, these upgrades will mean more reliable services in the long term. We’re asking customers to plan ahead, check before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys.”

Transpennine

The Transpennine Route Upgrade programme’s major programme of improvements between Manchester, Huddersfield and Leeds gets underway on Saturday, May 3, and runs through most of May and June, including the installation of overhead wires for electric trains, a new bridge, track and station improvements.

Liverpool Lime Street

Liverpool Lime Street will be closed on Sunday, May 3, and Monday, May 4, for new signalling to be installed around Edge Hill.

West Coast Main Line South

Laying new track near Willesden and Primrose Hill will mean a reduced service in and out of London Euston and no London Overground services between Euston and Kilburn High Road, with normal services resuming on Tuesday, May 5.

South East London

Work to improve signalling around Lewisham and install a footbridge at Hither Green means Charing Cross will be closed for all three days of the Bank Holiday, while Cannon Street is also closed on Sunday, May 3, only. Trains will be diverted to London Victoria and Blackfriars. Normal service resumes on Tuesday, May 5.