Railway Disruptions Near Doncaster Could Impact Your Travel Plans
Passengers traveling between Doncaster and Goole or Scunthorpe will face extended service disruptions this weekend due to critical maintenance work at Marshgate Junction. Network Rail is replacing an ageing bridge deck, requiring an additional two days of work beyond the initial schedule. Normal train services are set to resume on Monday morning, February 24. The decision to extend the closure was made to ensure safe operations, as the deteriorating bridge structure is no longer suitable for train traffic.
The replacement process requires shutting down a significant section of overhead power lines to facilitate the installation of new bridge components. This approach prevents the need for a prolonged full-week closure of the route, minimizing long-term travel disruptions. Engineers explored alternative options, but this solution was chosen as the least disruptive for passengers while ensuring the completion of the necessary upgrades in the shortest possible time frame.
Travelers must prepare for changes to train services during this period. On Saturday, Northern will operate a reduced timetable between Sheffield and Doncaster, while on Sunday, rail replacement buses will run between Doncaster and Goole. Importantly, no Northern services will operate to Scunthorpe on Sunday, meaning passengers will need to use alternative routes. Those traveling beyond these destinations should check schedules in advance to avoid unexpected delays.
TransPennine Express (TPE) will introduce hourly bus replacements over the weekend between Doncaster and Scunthorpe to maintain some level of connectivity. Additionally, on Thursday, February 20, TPE will provide replacement buses on the Scunthorpe to Cleethorpes route, stopping at Barnetby, Habrough, and Grimsby Town. East Midlands Railway will honor ticket acceptance agreements to assist affected travelers, ensuring smoother transfers between operators where necessary.
Such disruptions highlight the need for travel plans to be flexible, especially where there are infrastructure works taking place. Passengers are advised to use the real-time information on train operating company websites and National Rail Enquiries to seek alternate routes. Delays may be annoying but these upgrades will make the rail network more reliable and safe for all passengers that will ever travel on this network in the future.