NO TRAINS will run between Newcastle and Edinburgh during four consecutive weekends in September and October.

Teams from Network Rail will be working on the northern end of the East Coast Main Line, which passes through East Lothian.

Upgrades to the track, including work to renew switches and crossings, the specialist piece of equipment which allows trains to move from one piece of track to another, will be carried out.

Teams will also be improving overhead line equipment, as well as working to improve drainage and remove vegetation.

To allow the work to take place safely, no trains will run on the East Coast Main Line between Newcastle and Edinburgh on September 16 and 17; September 23 and 24; September 30 and October 1; and October 7 and 8.

During that time, a replacement coach service will be in place between Newcastle and Edinburgh via Morpeth, Alnmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Reston and Dunbar, as well as between Newcastle and Morpeth/Chathill.

Jason Hamilton, route programme director for Network Rail’s east coast route, said: “This work is vital and will help to boost reliability on this historic rail route, and improve journeys for all those using the East Coast Main Line.

“These upgrades do mean there will be significant changes to services on these dates, so we would urge passengers to plan ahead and check before travelling so they can see how their journeys are going to be affected.

“We’d like to thank all those impacted for their patience whilst this crucial work takes place.”

A spokesperson on behalf of train operators on the routes affected added: “Rail replacement services and diversion routes will be in place to keep people moving but this will result in longer journey times and services may be busier than usual.”