The upgrade work will take a month to complete at Bramhope tunnel

A �10m project to completely renew the track and drainage systems in the 19th Century tunnel, which is prone to flooding and standing water, will see 36,000 tonnes of material removed from the area.

A speed restriction in the tunnel will be removed when the work is completed allowing trains to run at up to 60mph through the section.

The tunnel will be closed from Sunday, 3 August until Sunday 31 August.

The work is essential to the development and long-term improvement of the line Ray Price of Arriva Trains Northern

The work will include removing the existing tracks, sleepers, track bed and stone-lined drain then installing two new tracks and a drainage system.

Platforms at Burley Park and Headingley will be extended to cater for Arriva Trains Northern operating four-carriage trains in an effort to minimise disruption to passengers while the engineering work takes place.

During the closure of the tunnel shuttle services, calling at Headingley and Burley Park, will run between Leeds and Horsforth.

A replacement bus service will operate between Leeds and Harrogate alongside the existing number 36 service.

Richard Fenny, the Regional Director of Network Rail said: "This major renewal project at Bramhope tunnel is a key demonstration of Network Rail's commitment to deliver safe, reliable and efficient rail infrastructure."

Ray Price, the managing director of Arriva Trains Northern told BBC News Online: "We recognise that the closure of this section of line by Network Rail is not something customers want to see.

"However, the work is essential to the development and long-term improvement of the line."