The continuous Hope Valley upgrade works are attempting to remove historic bottlenecks in the region whilst improving the reliability of travel for passengers and freight along the line.
Engineers have been working tirelessly, since May, to upgrade the rail line between Manchester and Sheffield, allowing passenger trains the ability to overtake slower freight trains that are holding up the line. Accompanying these works are improvements to signalling and several vital station upgrades.
In January and this coming February, there will be the implementation of several line closures to accommodate the continuation of these works, seeing further track renewal, regenerative works to a railway underbridge at Dore & Totley station and earthworks near West View Lane ahead of the installation of new track.
Passengers are advised to check National Rail Enquiries before they travel on the following days:
11pm Friday 13th January - 5am Monday 16th January
11pm Friday 20th January - 5am Monday 23rd January
11pm Saturday 28th January - 5am Monday 30th January
11pm Saturday 4th February – 5am Monday 6th February
11pm Saturday 11th February - 5am Monday 13th February
To ensure that passenger trains can overtake their rail freight compatriots, a passing loop will be installed at Bamford, with the first phase of this installation nearing completion. Engineers will also be lifting in a new footbridge at Hathersage, replacing the current foot crossing and offering a safer route for walkers to traverse across the line.
Work will take place around the clock to reduce the length of time a section of the Hope Valley line will be closed.
Hannah Lomas, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail said:
“This is an important period for the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade, as various major projects on the line continue at pace.
"I’d like to thank the communities of the Hope Valley for their patience and support as we continue to upgrade this important line, improving reliability, increasing line resilience, and removing historic bottlenecks allowing faster journeys.”
Want to know more about the opportunities to become a key supplier to the UK rail industry? Attend TransCityRail and access an exclusive marketplace of buyers from Network Rail, HS2, Train Operators, Major Contractors, and all other tiers of the supply chain. For more information and to secure your place click here.
