Derbyshire rail passengers are set for more reliable journeys as a renovative track works are set to begin this weekend (Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th July) in Belper. The works have an accredited budget of £500,000, seeing major investment to the 49-year-old tracks situated between Derby and Sheffield.
The works to be conducted will see around five kilometres of rail, sleepers and supporting stones re-laid along a key section of the Midland Main Line. The culmination of this project will see a maximised line capacity through smoother and more reliable journeys, creating better availability for commuters on their daily travels.
Gary Walsh, East Midlands Route Director for Network Rail, said:
“The Midland Main Line is one of Britain’s core rail lines and links businesses and communities across the East Midlands with each other, and with the capital. This work will renew a key section of that route, providing rail passengers with a reliable railway for many years to come.”
Operational safety standards are very important to construction-based projects such as this, so to ensure the teams are able to complete their work in a controlled environment, the train routes between Derby and Matlock or Derby and Sheffield will be closed this weekend. Rail replacement bus services will be made available to affected passengers.
Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director for EMR, said: “We are unable to run trains between Derby and Matlock and Derby and Sheffield on the 9 and 10 July and therefore we are asking all customers to check before they travel.
“Rail replacement buses will be provided to help customers with their onward journeys and all customers are advised to allow extra time to complete their journeys.
“We would like to thank our customers for their patience whilst Network Rail carry out these engineering works in Belper.”
Richard Morris, Regional Director East Midlands & Anglia for CrossCountry, said:
“Our long-distance services use this important section of the Midland Main Line to link Scotland and Yorkshire with the Midlands and the South and West. Our customers will benefit from this essential track upgrade work as we know that faster journey times and more reliable infrastructure means rail can continue to be a viable alternative to motorway travel."
In the fight to return the rail sector to pre pandemic numbers of usage and revenue, the continued investment into rail lines across the UK will enhance interconnectivity and encourage passengers to return to regular rail usage for their commutes. Though this project is being conducted in Belper, passengers will see greater links to London through the Midland Main Line, creating availability for travel via a more reliable track line.
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.
