40 Years Since East Coast Main Line Was Diverted

 The UK’s first purpose built 125mph line opened to local trains in May 1983 and InterCity 125 trains in the first week of October that year. The new line by-passed Selby and gave shorter journey times between York and London.

A Deltic powered express heads south towards Selby Station in the 1970's

Photo by Alan Young

The new line was funded by The National Coal Board to allow them to mine coal from the planned Selby coal field.

Read more about why the new line was built here and see the map below showing the old and new lines.

The Selby Swing Bridge, more information here