The RMT union has called off a planned strike on 16 March after receiving a new pay offer from Network Rail.
Maintenance workers and signallers had been due to walk out and then refuse any overtime, which would have been disruptive for maintenance works.
Now, just certain train companies will take industrial action on that day. With fewer walking out, the disruption will not be as heavy as anticipated.
The move is likely to raise hopes of a breakthrough in the pay dispute.
An RMT spokesperson said: "The RMT National Executive Committee has taken the decision to suspend all industrial action on Network Rail following receipt of a new offer from the employer. Further updates will be given on all aspects of the national rail dispute in the coming days."
Network Rail chief executive Andrew Haines said: "We are relieved for our people, passengers and freight customers that industrial action in Network Rail has now been suspended. We look forward to further information on plans for a referendum."
Members who work for train companies - including train guards - are still due to strike on 16, 18 and 30 March, then on 1 April.
A spokesperson from the Department of Transport said the breakthrough was "positive news", and urged the RMT's leaders to allow members who work at train companies to vote on the the latest offer.
Last month the RMT rejected what the industry and government described as "best and final" offers.
One was from Network Rail and the other from the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), representing 14 train companies employing guards and station staff.
The employers had previously offered pay rises of 5% for 2022/23 and 4% for 2023/4, in exchange for changes to working practices, which the smaller rail union the TSSA has accepted.
The RDG has now invited the RMT for urgent talks.
"The RMT leadership's decision to put Network Rail's deal to its membership is a welcome development, but train operating staff will rightly be asking why their union continues to deny them the opportunity to have their say on our equivalent offer," the RDG said in a statement.
The RMT has previously said it is "focused on coming to a negotiated settlement", and that it had carried out an "in-depth consultation" before the decision to reject was made.
The industry and government have said all along that any pay increase must come with changes to working practices.
Now, the RMT has said it is seeking an unconditional pay offer, among other requests.
Following the earlier rejection, the situation seemed deadlocked. Network Rail's boss also recently expressed frustration, suggesting the organisation may not return to negotiations.
Strikes have been taking place across the country's railways since June last year, with workers unhappy over pay and conditions.
Unions have argued any pay offer should reflect the rising cost of living - currently above 10%.
But the rail industry is under pressure to save money, after the pandemic left a hole in its finances. Bosses say reforms need to be agreed, to afford pay increases and modernise the railway.
During industrial action skeleton services have run on some lines with passengers often warned to avoid travelling where possible in case of disruption.
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2023-03-07 22:36:13Z
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