Ilkley trains affected by two weekends of major engineering works

Disruption to services on the Wharfedale Line 18/19 & 25/26 July [Photo: Network Rail]

Passengers are being warned to plan ahead over two weekends in July due to major engineering work planned by Northern Rail.

Track renewal, tunnel repairs and groundwork engineering will affect services on the Wharfedale Line over the weekends of 18-19 and 25-26 July.

Passengers are advised that rail replacement buses will be in operation for some journeys because of improvement work in Menston and surrounding areas.

New rails and sleepers will be installed along almost 1.9km of the line for smoother, more reliable journeys. Brickwork and stone repairs will be undertaken along 500 metres at Esholt Tunnel to keep the structure in sound condition and avoid future maintenance issues which could impact train performance.

Elsewhere on the line, there will be vegetation management and work to stabilise embankments, reducing the risk of ground movement and keeping the track safe and reliable.

As a result of the work, on Saturday 18 and Saturday 25 July, buses will replace trains between Ilkley and Shipley.

On Sunday 19 and Sunday 26 July, LNER trains that usually start or terminate at Bradford Forster Square will instead start and terminate at Leeds. Northern will have rail replacement buses between Bradford Forster Square and Shipley/Ilkley.

In addition on both Sundays:

• Trains between Leeds and Skipton will call additionally at Kirkstall Forge and Apperley Bridge.

• Trains between Bradford Forster Square and Skipton will be diverted to start/terminate at Leeds and will not call at Frizinghall.

• Trains between Leeds and Bradford Forster Square will not run.

• Trains between Leeds/Bradford Forster Square and Ilkley will not run.

  
  

Karen Duffy, Network Rail operations director, said: “Across the weekends of 18-19 and 25-26 July, we’re carrying out essential track renewal, tunnel repairs and earthwork improvements to keep the railway safe and reliable for passengers. We’re sorry to anyone whose journey is affected and grateful to passengers and residents for their patience while we complete these upgrades, which will help deliver smoother and more dependable journeys in the future.”

A spokesperson for LNER and Northern added: “We’re advising customers to check before they travel during this engineering work and allow extra time for their journeys, as some services will be amended and rail replacement coaches will be in operation on some routes.”

Check details of your journey with your train operator or National Rail before travelling.