A long-running 'bottleneck' on the Harrogate rail line is back under the spotlight after a minister said key improvements have not been ruled out.
Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, raised concerns in Parliament about repeated disruption on the Harrogate to York line - much of it linked to a section of single track that regularly causes delays.
He drew attention to the York Area Capacity Scheme, a long-planned project intended to ease congestion on the route, which has been paused indefinitely.
Tom urged the Government to reconsider the scheme or, failing that, to bring forward alternative proposals to improve capacity and reliability for passengers.
Responding on behalf of the Government, the minister said neither the York Area Capacity Scheme nor other potential upgrades had been ruled out.
The minister added that officials would continue to examine options to dual the single-track section between Knaresborough and York as part of future infrastructure planning.
There was also agreement to continue discussions on the possibility of extending platforms for trains arriving from Harrogate, a change that could allow for longer trains and increased capacity.
Tom said the prospect of progress was welcome but stressed that action was needed.
He said:
“Dualling the line between Knaresborough and York, along with creating a new platform for trains arriving into York from Harrogate, would transform journeys for local commuters.
“Right now, passengers face constant delays, unreliable services, and capacity issues. This needs to change – especially if the Government is serious about delivering growth and improving transport in the North.”
He added:
“I was encouraged to hear the Minister confirm these projects are still on the table.
"In my meeting with the Minister for Rail, I’ll keep the pressure to make sure our community gets the modern, reliable transport network it deserves.”
Tom is due to meet the Minister for Rail to press the case for the upgrades, arguing that improved rail links are essential to unlocking economic potential and supporting wider growth ambitions in the region.
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