NETWORK Rail is advising Bradford passengers to check before they travel as the final stage of work to upgrade the signalling system as part of the Great North Rail Project nears.

From Saturday, October 20, to Monday, October 22, Network Rail workers will carry out the final stage of the project with train services between Bradford Interchange, Leeds, Halifax, Huddersfield and other stations in the area replaced by bus services.

Passengers are advised to plan ahead via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator.

Train services will resume as normal for the start of service on Tuesday, October 23.

The work will include old signalling technology at the Mill Lane (Bradford Interchange) local lineside signal box ‘recontrolled’ to the state-of-the-art Rail Operating Centre in York.

The project will bring benefits to passengers across the north, providing a more modern, reliable and cost-effective railway which will improve journeys,

Rob McIntosh, Route Managing Director at Network Rail, said: “We’re urging passengers to check before they travel as the final piece of the upgrade to the signalling system in West Yorkshire takes place.

“There’s never an ideal time to work on the railway and we appreciate that this upgrade will cause some disruption for passengers. We are working closely with train operators to keep this to a minimum and we’d like to thank passengers for their patience.

“Once completed, this project will provide a more modern, reliable and cost-effective railway which ensures we can continue to meet the needs of the communities and economies our railway serves.”

Paul Barnfield, Northern’s Regional Director, said: “The re-signalling will pave the way for the modernisation of the railway in a significant part of West Yorkshire.

“Network Rail’s engineering project goes hand-in-hand with our own improvements which will see brand new and improved trains – as well better stations – giving our customers a better journey experience.

“We will work with colleagues across the industry to keep disruption to a minimum and keep our customers on the move during the engineering works.”

A Grand Central spokesperson said “We’re well prepared, with rail replacement road transport in place to ensure customers can smoothly connect with our trains. Please check before you travel by visiting our website www.grandcentralrail.com for further information.”