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Rail travellers should brace for some major disruption over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend which could see timetables changed and some trains replaced with buses. When millions are expected to get out and about to enjoy long-awaited warm weather, Network rail has announced engineering work on the East Coast Main Line running from London to Edinburgh.

The rail authority said the projects include essential upgrades to track and drainage, supporting the longterm resilience of one of country's busiest routes. Network Rail said the work is being carried out over the bank holiday, when fewer passengers typically travel.

The three key areas being worked on include continued renewal work on points, the sections of track allowing trains to switch between lines, at Tollerton, North Yorkshire. This will replace the life-expired assets and allow for future maintenance to be much less disruptive for passengers.

Tollerton will also be the focus of continued landslip mitigation to stabilise embankments and reduce the risk of ground movement and keep the track safe and reliable. There will also be drainage renewal along 955 metres of the line at Chapman's Bridge, near Shipton, to prevent flooding, protect the railway and support safer, more reliable services for passengers.

Network Rail said engineers will be on site at all three locations from May 23 to 25, resulting in changes to East Coast Main Line passenger services with rail replacement bus services in operation.

Meanwhile, Transpennine Route Upgrade engineering work continues throughout May and June, affecting travel between Huddersfield and Leeds.

Jason Parrish, Network Rail head of planning, said: "These improvements are an important investment in the longterm resilience of the East Coast Main Line. Renewing lifeexpired equipment, improving drainage and strengthening embankments all help reduce delays and protect the railway.

"While there is never a good time to close the railway, scheduling the work over the bank holidays allows us to minimise disruption and deliver best value. We're grateful to passengers for their understanding while we complete this vital work."

A spokesperson for the train operating companies said: "We're working closely with Network Rail to keep passengers moving while this important work takes place.

"Although journeys will take longer and involve rail replacement coaches or buses on some routes, these upgrades will mean more reliable services in the long term. We're asking customers to plan ahead, check before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys."

CrossCountry: Rail replacement buses will operate between York and Darlington.

Grand Central: No service to/from Sunderland, and the following alterations:

Saturday and Monday: The 11.00 London King's Cross to Sunderland will terminate at York and call additionally at Doncaster. The 15.32 Sunderland to London King's Cross will start from York and call additionally at Doncaster.

Sunday: The 12.00 London King's Cross to Sunderland will terminate at York and call additionally at Doncaster. The 14.30 Sunderland to London King's Cross will start from York and additionally call at Doncaster.

LNER: Trains to and from the south will start and terminate at York, with trains to and from the north starting or terminating at Darlington or Northallerton. Rail replacement services will be in place between York, Northallerton and Darlington to assist with connections.

Lumo: A reduced and amended train service will run between Newcastle and Edinburgh/Glasgow Queen Street only.

TransPennine Express: No trains between York and Northallerton. Replacement buses will operate between York and Darlington/Redcar Central.

On 23 May, no trains will call at Huddersfield and Slaithwaite stations, with amended timetables in place. From 20 April to 26 May, Brighouse station car park will be closed to facilitate bus replacement services to and from Huddersfield.