From Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, trains will not run on the main route between Leeds and York. All lines through Church Fenton station in North Yorkshire will be closed.
Network Rail is replacing the Common Lane bridge there, built in 1900. The bridge is too low for the overhead wires that electric trains need. The replacement was planned for 2027 but has been brought forward by a year. It is part of the major Transpennine Route Upgrade.
During the closure, rail replacement buses run: direct York–Leeds and York–Selby services, plus buses via Ulleskelf, Church Fenton, Sherburn-in-Elmet and Micklefield, where you can change to local trains to Leeds. Network Rail says the direct bus is the quickest way between the cities. A longer Northern train via Harrogate runs as normal.
That is not all. On the weekends of 24–25 October and 31 October–1 November, buses will also replace trains on the East Coast Main Line between Darlington, York and Doncaster, where the railway is renewing track, drainage and overhead lines.
What it means for you
The closure falls during the autumn half-term in England. Families travelling with children to York, Leeds, London or Scotland should expect to change to a bus and a longer journey. Workers who commute daily between Leeds, Selby and York should leave home earlier. Businesses in the region should warn staff and clients that meetings may be delayed.
Our assessment
The works are planned and described on the upgrade website, so the closure will almost certainly go ahead. Network Rail does, however, say the dates may change. In the long run this is good news: electrification should bring faster and more reliable trains in the north of England. In the short run, it means a week of changes and crowded buses.
What to do
- Before you travel, check your journey on the National Rail journey planner.
- Details of the closure and bus departure points are on the Transpennine Route Upgrade website.
- Allow extra time, especially at weekends when there is also disruption on the routes to Doncaster and Darlington.
- If you have a ticket for a specific train, ask the operator about changing it or a refund.
Source: Transpennine Route Upgrade / Network Rail – “We’re replacing Common Lane bridge in Church Fenton”; Eastern Eye (23.10.2026).
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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