Passengers travelling between Sheffield and Nottingham are being advised to plan ahead after Network Rail confirmed a major programme of track renewal work at Alfreton Tunnel will take place over the weekend of 8 and 9 August.
The engineering scheme will see almost half a kilometre of track renewed inside the tunnel, helping to improve reliability, ride quality and long-term performance for both passenger and freight services operating through the route.
To facilitate the work, rail replacement bus services will operate between Sheffield and Nottingham throughout the weekend, affecting services run by Northern and East Midlands Railway (EMR).
Essential Infrastructure Upgrade
Network Rail engineers will replace nearly 500 metres of track within the tunnel as part of ongoing efforts to improve network reliability across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire corridor.
Working within tunnels presents unique challenges, with specialist mobile ventilation fans used to increase airflow and maintain a safe environment for engineering teams. The equipment helps remove machinery fumes and ballast dust while work is being undertaken.
Impact on Train Services
Northern
- Rail replacement buses will operate between Sheffield and Nottingham on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August.
East Midlands Railway
- Liverpool Lime Street to Norwich services will run to an amended timetable.
- Trains will not call at:
- Ilkeston
- Langley Mill
- Alfreton
- Sheffield will receive a significantly reduced service.
- Passengers travelling to or from affected stations will be able to use Northern’s replacement bus services.
Additional timetable changes include:
Saturday 8 August
- The 06:53 Derby to Sheffield service will depart Derby at 07:20 and operate up to 27 minutes later than normal before terminating at Chesterfield at 07:42.
- The 07:40 Sheffield to Norwich service will instead start from Chesterfield at 07:47.
Sunday 9 August
- The 09:17 Nottingham to Matlock service will depart Derby earlier than scheduled at 09:51 and run up to three minutes ahead of timetable until Whatstandwell, where it will return to its normal schedule.
Network Rail Apologises for Disruption
Eric Larocque, Network Rail operations director, said:
“This essential work at Alfreton Tunnel will see our engineers renew nearly half a kilometre of track, helping to deliver smoother and more reliable journeys for passengers and freight services through the area.
“We know this sort of rail improvement work can be inconvenient, and we're sorry to passengers whose journeys are affected. We encourage anyone planning to travel between Sheffield and Nottingham over the weekend of 8 and 9 August to allow more time and check their journey before setting off.”
Operators Urge Passengers to Check Before Travelling
A spokesperson for Northern and East Midlands Railway said:
“We’re working closely with Network Rail while this important upgrade work takes place at Alfreton Tunnel.”
“During the engineering work on 8 and 9 August, rail replacement buses will operate between Sheffield and Nottingham, and some East Midlands Railway regional services will run to an amended timetable.
“We're encouraging customers to check before they travel and allow extra time for their journey, as travel times may be longer than usual. We’d like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while these improvements are carried out.”
Passengers are advised to check journey planners before travelling and allow additional time for their journeys during the engineering work.
Image credit: Network Rail
