Passengers traveling between Doncaster and Goole/Scunthorpe are being advised that planned engineering works this week will be extended to allow for the replacement of an ageing bridge deck at Marshgate junction.

The bridge decking is nearing the end of its usable life and would soon be unsafe for train operations. As a result, Network Rail has decided to extend the current line closure by two days to carry out the necessary replacement work.

The line will remain closed until the morning of Monday 24 February, when normal services between Doncaster and Goole/Scunthorpe will resume.

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Network Rail explored other options to complete the work but opted for this approach as the replacement requires the installation of new beams, which necessitates the temporary shutdown of overhead powerlines in the area.

Passengers are urged to check for alternative travel arrangements during the extended closure.

Sam MacDougall, Network Rail operations director, said: "This vital work requires the electricity supply to the East Coast Main Line to be isolated for us to get the new bridge deck into place.

"By taking the option to extend this week's package of work by a couple of days, we avoid having a full week’s closure of this section of the railway.

"We're sorry to passengers whose journeys will be affected this weekend, but this is the least disruptive way of approaching this urgent repair."