Translink will be carrying out essential engineering work on the railway line in the Belfast around the Christmas period, it's been announced.
The work, which will take place between Sunday December 25 and Monday January 2 inclusively, and Sunday January 8 2023, is the next phase in the renewal and upgrade of the line between Lagan Junction and Yorkgate Station in North Belfast.
As a result, it is being warned there will be closures of the railway line impacting on the Larne and Derry lines with bus substitution services in place. Bangor, Portadown and cross-border lines will remain open with a holiday timetable in place and passengers are advised to check times before they travel.
READ MORE: Details of late night bus and rail services for Christmas announced
Announcing this year’s work, Translink’s John Glass, Head of Infrastructure and Projects said: "Translink is undertaking a significant investment programme to upgrade and protect Northern Ireland’s rail infrastructure. These works are vital to modernise and maintain high quality, safe and attractive rail services for today and for future generations.
"This will be the third Christmas that our engineers will be working through the festive period, taking advantage of the lower passenger numbers, to make significant progress on this project. This tried and tested approach has once again been carefully planned to minimise the overall disruption for our customers and our neighbours.
"We will also be taking the opportunity to complete additional engineering works on the Larne line during the closure period to minimise any future impact on passenger services.
"We are urging passengers to check the website www.translink.co.uk or Journey Planner before they travel and allow extra time for their journey. I want to thank all our passengers and local neighbours for their support and patience as we progress these essential works."
This project is the next element of the Central Belfast Area Renewal Programme, initially started at Halloween this year. The first phase was completed during Christmas 2020.
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