Plessey viaduct repairs reduce ECML to single track

Urgent repairs: Network Rail has restricted trains on the Plessey viaduct near Morpeth to one line running. Network Rail

Repairs to Plessey viaduct on the East Coast main line between Cramlington and Morpeth were set to disrupt services until early November.

During planned engineering works over the weekend of 7-8 October, Network Rail discovered that the parapet had moved. Work was stopped and specialist structural teams attended the site to assess options to repair the bridge. NR says the structure of the viaduct has not been affected, so trains were able to resume running but using just one track.

With only the Down (northbound) line available, Up trains crossed to the Down line just north of Morpeth station, returning to the Up line south of the viaduct at Plessey crossovers. As a result, most Up trains have not been calling at Morpeth station.

Want to read more?

This is a premium article and requires an active subscription.

Existing subscriber? Sign in now

I have a subscription but need to register on site…

You will need your print Customer ID ready to set up an account, you'll find this on your welcome email and cover sheet delivered with each print magazine.

Register now

No subscription?

Pick one of our introductory offers