Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has announced that major improvement works will be carried out on the railway line between Leeds and York from 26 May to 3 June.

The TRU team will be replacing the railway bridge deck over the A162 London Road between Sherburn-in-Elmet and Barkston Ash. Originally opened in 1869 by the North Eastern Railway, the bridge is nearing the end of its lifespan and requires a stronger deck. Replacing it now, before the line's electrification, will allow for more frequent, faster and heavier passenger and freight trains to operate.

Adam Sellers, Senior Sponsor for Transpennine Route Upgrade, said: "These improvement works form a major part of the programme as we take a step closer to full electrification of the Transpennine route.

"We'd like to remind passengers and road users to plan their journey in advance as train services and road access will be disrupted and thank them for their patience as we deliver these essential upgrades."

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The A162 London Road beneath the bridge will be closed between 08:00 on Sunday 26 May until 00:01 on Monday 3 June to allow for the work to take place. A clearly-signed diversionary route for cars and HGVs via the A1(M) will be in place.

The bridge deck replacement is scheduled from 28 May to 31 May. During this period, the A162 London Road will be closed, and certain trains between Leeds and York will be rerouted via Castleford. Church Fenton and Ulleskelf stations will have rail replacement buses providing connections to York and Micklefield for travel to and from Leeds. Train services between York, Selby, and Hull will continue to operate as usual

Chris Nutton, Major Projects Director at TransPennine Express, said: "The bridge work taking place at Barkston Ash between Micklefield and Church Fenton is essential for the delivery of the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

"While this work is being carried out, TransPennine Express will operate an amended timetable on our North route services and divert trains between Leeds and York via a diversionary route, with slightly longer journey times. We'd like to advise customers to check before they travel."

These upgrades bring TRU closer to providing more frequent, faster trains on a cleaner, greener, and more reliable railway connecting York, Leeds and Manchester.

The line will reopen to train services on Saturday 1 June.