NETWORK RAIL is upgrading sections of track on the Esk Valley line, which date back to the 1940s, to bring smoother journeys for passengers travelling between Middlesbrough and Whitby.

From today until Sunday, February 21, teams will be lifting and replacing more than 1.5 miles of track on sections of the line in Commondale, Castleton Moor and Danby.

The ballast or stones which support the track and the wooden sleepers will also be replaced as part of the £2.7m project. Some of the track was installed in the mid-1940s and upgrading it will bring smoother, more reliable journeys for passengers. It will also reduce the amount of maintenance work required along the route. This follows improvements to the track which were carried out between Lealholm and Danby stations in September.

For this work to take place safely, there will be changes to train services from 8pm today until Sunday, February 21:

  • Northern trains will continue to run between Middlesbrough and Nunthorpe, but the line between Nunthorpe and Whitby will be closed.
  • A bus replacement service will run between Middlesbrough and Whitby, calling at drop off points near all stations on the route.
  • A faster, direct bus replacement service will also run between Middlesbrough and Whitby.

Network Rail and Northern are advising passengers who must travel on the Esk Valley line to check their journeys via National Rail Enquiries and allow plenty of time. Posters are displayed at affected stations, showing bus pick-up and drop off points.

Matt Rice, route director for Network Rail’s North and East route, said: "These improvements to the existing track that has served the scenic Esk Valley line well for over half a century are vital so that safe and reliable services can continue to link communities along the route between Whitby and Middlesbrough for years to come.

“The work also means passengers can enjoy travelling on the line, and connect to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, for future generations.”