Train trouble
Network Rail have confirmed they have no plans to change planned engineering works on the weekend that United fans travel to Wembley Stadium. Anyone travelling by rail from the North East are set to face disruption due to ongoing engineering works around Darlington Station’s regeneration.
Now, Network Rail has confirmed the engineering works will not be moved as it will cost “several million pounds” of taxpayers’ money to do so. Fans who intend to drive to York before starting their train journey to London should note that the long stay car park at York Station will close on Saturday, March 15 due to work on a new multi-storey car park.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Engineering work of this nature is planned years in advance, and this project is a key part of Darlington station’s £140m regeneration. It would cost several million pounds of taxpayers’ money to change these plans, causing a delay to the Darlington station project into 2026 – meaning it would also miss this year’s celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.
“There would be a knock-on effect on other engineering projects too, bringing lengthy delays and causing much greater levels of future disruption. However, we are working closely with LNER to see as many services as possible run on the weekend of the League Cup Final, to help Newcastle United supporters on their way to Wembley. Our advice is for passengers to plan ahead and check all parts of their journeys with National Rail Enquiries or their train operators before travelling.”
An LNER spokesperson said: “We’re really excited for Newcastle United fans and we will be operating as many services as possible, carrying many thousands of supporters to the game. We recommend that customers only travel on a booked service with a seat reservation, and despite the long planned engineering work, we’re actively working with Network Rail to look at ways of supporting more fans to attend the Carabao Cup Final by train.”
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-carabao-cup-tickets-live-30973144
