Network Rail has been forced to replan important upgrades to a line that runs over Selby swing bridge after a spoil heap at Hatfield Colliery subsided - blocking off a diversionary route.

The company had planned to minimise the disruption caused by the work by providing services to Hull via Hatfield & Stainforth, but this is no longer possible because of the landslip.

Bosses at the rail operator said this will be the most significant refurbishment of the Selby swing bridge since it was first built in 1889 and the project was reliant on two other bridges in the area being improved first, so that trains could be rerouted. 

Phil Verster, route managing director for Network Rail, confirmed the scheme has been rescheduled for next summer.

"However we will need to complete work on other bridges and tracks over three consecutive weekends from October 5th 2013 in order to keep services on the route running reliably until then," he remarked.

This is one of many rail infrastructure upgrades planned in the coming years, as Network Rail looks to spend up to £37 billion on improvements between 2014 and 2019.