02.06.15
Network Rail consults on plans to increase Hope Valley capacity
Network Rail is consulting on plans to improve the railway in the Hope Valley to allow for more frequent and faster passenger services.
The consultation, which opened yesterday and runs until 19 June, is on plans to extend the existing Dore South Curve section of track, between West View Lane and Dore South Junction, to allow enough standing room for freight trains. This will allow passenger services to pass without a waiting freight train blocking either the Hope Valley or Midland Main lines.
A second track serving Dore & Totley station will be installed and a new platform built.
East of Bamford station, Network Rail plans to build a new section of track to create a passing loop, which will allow faster passenger services to overtake freight trains. The new track would run alongside the existing railway, and be used by freight trains heading towards Sheffield.
Network Rail believes the work will allow for three fast trains per hour instead of two between Manchester and Sheffield, as well as an hourly local stopping service on the Hope Valley line (instead of one every two hours).
The application for a Transport and Works Act Order is to be submitted in the autumn.
The new consultation is an update on one conducted in January this year. It can be viewed here.
(Top image: FTPE Class 185 in the Hope Valley, from Manchester Airport. Credit: Alvey and Towers)
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