TRAINS between York and the north-east will be delayed or replaced by buses on Saturday evenings this spring because of a £6 million upgrade of the East Coast Main Line.

Network Rail says vital improvements to the route, involving the renewal of points, were planned over 11 weeks from Sunday February 26 until Sunday May 14.

“Work will take place overnight at weekends in order to reduce the disruption to passengers, with changes to Saturday evening services between York and Newcastle/Middlesbrough as well as services calling at Thirsk,” said a spokeswoman.

“Passengers are advised to check with their train operator before they travel, as services may run at earlier times or be replaced by bus services.”

Rob McIntosh, route managing director, said the investment would provide a more reliable railway but apologised for any inconvenience caused.

TransPennine Express said some services would depart earlier than usual while others would be replaced by buses, such as the 20:16hrs York to Middlesbrough train on Saturdays.

“Some trains will not call at Thirsk on Saturday evenings and on Sundays and those travelling to or from this station should use Northallerton instead,” it said. “A replacement bus service will be provided between these two stations.”

Virgin East Coast said replacement coach services will be provided between York, Northallerton and Darlington on Saturday evenings, while direct trains between Newcastle and King’s Cross on Sunday mornings will start later than normal.