UK: With data from inter-city operator LNER suggesting that that Fridays and Sundays are now the most popular days for travel on the East Coast Main Line, infrastructure manager Network Rail is to undertake engineering work mid-week rather than at the weekend as a trial.
Track, overhead electrification and drainage works between Grantham and Doncaster will be undertaken on Tuesday May 16 and Wednesday May 17.
Research by the Great British Railways Transition Team found that in February the number of weekend rail journeys nationally was 21% higher than pre-pandemic levels, reflecting strong leisure demand.
‘We’re really pleased to be carrying out this trial’, said Paul Rutter, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast route.
‘We know that passenger travel patterns have changed post-pandemic, with higher demand for travel on weekends to and from London King’s Cross railway station, so carrying out the work mid-week will mean fewer travellers are impacted by our upgrades.’
A joint statement on behalf of passenger operators LNER, Hull Trains, Lumo and Grand Central said ‘we are always looking at new ways we can improve the experience for our passengers and this trial is an example of just one way the industry has worked together to do something to respond to new trends and keep people moving. Services will still be running on the affected dates, but diversion routes and longer journey times will be in place, so please make sure you plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey.’
