UK
Ireland
Scotland
London
Passengers in the North-East are being advised to plan ahead as a series of rail improvement works will disrupt journeys over two weekends in September.
Network Rail teams will carry out engineering projects on 13–14 and 20–21 September, requiring the closure of several lines between Newcastle and Edinburgh.
The work includes installing new track, drainage systems, switches and crossings, along with upgrades to overhead line equipment.
One of the largest projects will take place at Killingworth, where nearly 1km of drainage pipework will be replaced. More than 120 staff will use 900 metres of pipe, 1,100 tonnes of ballast and 800 tonnes of pea shingle during the renewal.
The site has experienced persistent flooding, including a major incident in April 2024 which caused delays costing £1.1 million. Network Rail says the investment will cut the risk of flooding, reduce maintenance costs, and deliver environmental benefits through better water management.
Other upgrades include:
Track renewal at Belford and Stannington
Switches and crossings renewal at Belford and Berwick
Ballast replacement at Newham level crossing
Overhead line improvements between Pegswood and Widdrington
Service changes
CrossCountry and TransPennine Express: Trains between Newcastle and Edinburgh will be replaced by buses.
LNER: An hourly service will operate in each direction via Carlisle, adding extra journey time. Rail replacement coaches will connect customers at Morpeth, Alnmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Reston and Dunbar with Newcastle and Edinburgh. Other services will see changes to stopping patterns, affecting stations including Peterborough, Doncaster and Durham. Passengers are advised to check LNER Travel Alerts for details.
Lumo: Services will run between London King’s Cross and Newcastle only. The 20.56 Edinburgh to Newcastle service will not run on Saturdays.
Northern: Trains between Carlisle/Hexham and Morpeth/Chathill will start and finish at Newcastle, with replacement buses to Morpeth and Chathill. The Northumberland Line between Newcastle and Ashington is unaffected.
ScotRail: Services between North Berwick/Dunbar and Edinburgh will be replaced by buses on Saturdays only.
Passengers are advised to check before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys.
