NETWORK Rail is urging passengers who need to use train services over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend to check before they travel as track improvement work takes place in West Yorkshire.

On Sunday, May 10, Network Rail engineers will carry out work to replace the track between Wakefield Westgate and Leeds.

It says this will create a more reliable and resilient railway so services can continue moving passengers who must travel. It also means food and medical supplies can be transported to supermarkets and hospitals via freight services.

In line with Government advice, Network Rail continues to proceed with engineering work that is required to maintain a safe and operational railway. This work will also upgrade the railway and improve journeys for passengers in future.

In order for the track improvements to be carried out safely, the line will be closed between Wakefield Westgate and Leeds, via Outwood.

No trains will be able to call at Wakefield Westgate station and diversionary routes and bus replacement services will be in place between Doncaster/Knottingley/Moorthorpe and Leeds and between Wakefield Westgate and Sheffield/Leeds/Doncaster.

Passengers are urged to continue following social distancing guidelines on these services and stay at least two metres apart.

Passengers who have to use the railway are strongly advised to check via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator before travelling. People are asked to please stay at home where possible to help protect the NHS and save lives.

Matt Rice, Route Director for North and East for Network Rail, said: “Passengers should only travel over the Bank Holiday weekend if they have to, and we advise them to check their individual journey via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator.

“This work to improve the track between Wakefield Westgate and Leeds is vital to allow a safe and reliable railway to operate, so that people who must travel by rail are able to do so, and so vital supplies can continue to be transported across the country.

“We will continue to follow social distancing guidelines from Public Health England whilst this work is carried out and would like to thank people for following the Government’s advice.”

A spokesperson on behalf of train operators in Yorkshir, said: “The track improvement work being carried out by Network Rail is important, so essential services can continue during these challenging times. It will also benefit passengers in future, bringing a more reliable railway.

“We are urging passengers to continue following the Government advice to only travel when they have to. If you cannot work from home and have to use train services, please check your journey via National Rail Enquiries or with your train operator.”