Network Rail will undertake a significant programme of track renewals in Attercliffe next week, aiming to boost long‑term performance and improve reliability for passengers travelling through South Yorkshire.
The work will run from Monday 2 February to Friday 6 February, requiring a line closure between Sheffield and Meadowhall, along with a blockage at Woodburn Junction. During this time, services operating under Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE) and CrossCountry will be amended, with some journeys diverted, particularly busy, or replaced by rail‑replacement buses. Passengers are being advised to build extra time into their travel plans.
Essential Upgrades to Improve Future Reliability
The renewal project covers a 1.7km stretch of track northeast of Sheffield, on the route towards Rotherham and Doncaster. Engineers will replace sleepers and ballast originally installed in 1968, ensuring smoother journeys in the short term while preventing future speed restrictions or larger-scale disruption.
Mark O’Halloran, Route Engineer at Network Rail, said:
“I would like to thank passengers for their patience while we deliver these track upgrades, delivering a more reliable and resilient railway. While we understand that changes to services can be disruptive, this work is vital to keep the network running safely and smoothly for years to come.”
A spokesperson representing the train operating companies added:
“Services will be amended from 2-6 February, so we’re encouraging customers to check before they travel and allow extra time for their journeys.
“We’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while Network Rail carries out these planned engineering works."
What Passengers Will Need to Know
- Closure: Sheffield ↔ Meadowhall
- Blockage: Woodburn Junction
- Dates: 2–6 February
- Operators affected: Northern, TPE, CrossCountry
- Possible disruption: Diversions, busier trains, rail‑replacement services
This essential project forms part of Network Rail’s ongoing commitment to improving the resilience of the rail network across the North.
