​PASSENGERS travelling to Leeds station have been told to plan ahead due to the work happening on the track later this month.

Work is ramping up on a major project to upgrade the track layout at the station to bring more reliable services for passengers.

On Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 October, work to prepare the new track cross over and install new overhead wires will take place.

A new under track crossing between platforms 3 and 4, which is required for signalling cables to pass under the track, will also be installed.

This is in preparation for workers to lift, replace and completely remodel the track between platforms 4 and 6 later this year.

This upgrade will help to boost reliability for passengers in the North, allow more trains to run and reduce the impact of future unplanned disruption on the railway.

For this latest stage of work to be carried out safely, the following changes for passengers will be in place:

  • Saturday 30 October – A reduced train service will run to/from Leeds station with some bus replacements in place.
  • Sunday 31 October – No trains will run to/from Leeds station before 11:40. A reduced service will then be in place for the rest of the day, with buses connecting passengers.

Replacement buses will pick up on New Station Street.

Northern are advising passengers to plan ahead and check their journey via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator, allowing plenty of time to travel.

Matt Rice, North and East Route Director for Network Rail, said: “Our teams are making solid progress on platforms 4-6 and while it might not be the most visually spectacular upgrade, the work here will make a meaningful difference for everyone who uses Leeds by having fewer late running trains.

“We’re doing as much as we can without needing to use bus replacements, but that’s unavoidable for a few days in October and I’m asking those who might be making a last-minute decision to catch the train over the coming weekends to check their journey times before they travel.”

The project is expected to be completed early 2022.