Network Rail is set to begin a £60m drainage improvement scheme in Yorkshire and the North East this month.

The project aims to minimise disruptions caused by heavy rain, which has seen 35 landslips occur in the region in the past year alone.

In addition, the programme aims to increase safety for rail users.

The North East and Yorkshire route, serving 178 stations from Sheffield, Leeds, Middlesbrough, and Hull, among others, is particularly susceptible to these weather-related disruptions.

Rainwater often overflows from neighbouring land, causing railway flooding, leading to severe delays and cancellations.

The new funding cycle will see major drainage installations in Rotherham, Goole, Immingham, and Horsforth.

More rural communities in Yorkshire and Northumberland such as Grosmont, Hexham, and Grindleford will also benefit.

As part of the project, 40 new dedicated roles are being created to manage and maintain the systems in place.

Investment will also be made in modern technology such as remote condition monitoring circuits and CCTV cameras for better system surveillance.

Over the next five years, Network Rail’s North and East route plans to invest a total of £2.1bn in upgrading and running the railway network.