Selby Diversion

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Selby Diversion

The Selby Diversion is a main railway line in northern England built to reroute the East Coast Main Line (ECML) away from the Selby Coalfield, which could cause ground movement and damage fast trains. It opened in 1983.

Route and connections: The line starts at Temple Hirst Junction, just south of Selby, and runs to Colton Junction near Church Fenton, south of York. It connects with lines that lead to Leeds and York, forming part of the ECML and giving trains access to both York and Leeds.

What it is like: The route is about 13.8 miles long, electrified at 25 kV AC, and designed for speeds up to 125 mph (201 km/h). It uses standard gauge and modern signals to support high-speed services.

Who uses it: By the mid-2010s, the Diversion carried mainly long-distance north–south trains and some freight. After the North Doncaster Chord opened in 2014, many freight trains were diverted away from this line.

History and reason: In the 1970s the National Coal Board planned a large underground coal mine near Selby. To protect the ECML from subsidence, a new route was proposed and approved. The BR Selby Act was passed in 1979, and construction began in 1980. The line opened on 3 October 1983, having cost about £63 million. It was designed for 125 mph operation, though initial services started at 60 mph and gradually increased. The new line also avoided the speed restriction on the swing bridge at Selby, while the old ECML north of Selby was closed to through services.