Each weekend in July there will be changes to services between Sheffield and Manchester as work continues on a £145m upgrade of the Hope Valley line.
The changes will particularly affect fans travelling to watch the Women's Euros in Sheffield, Manchester, and Rotherham. Passengers should plan ahead with National Rail Enquiries to avoid disruption.
The upgrade involves engineers building an additional railway track to remove several bottlenecks so that passenger trains can overtake slower freight trains. This will improve journey times, and help people get to their destinations on time.
During the work, there will be a limited train service between Sheffield and Manchester. Projects of this size are planned years in advance, and Network Rail has worked with UEFA and with train operating companies to keep fans moving by bus, coach, or via an alternative route. However, Dore & Totley, Grindleford, Bamford, and Hathersage stations will also be closed during this time.
When complete, the multi-million-pound project will deliver:
- a new platform and accessible footbridge with lifts at Dore & Totley station;
- a railway loop between Bamford and Hathersage;
- a new overbridge at Hathersage West, replacing the current foot crossing to improve safety;
- signalling improvements along the line to improve reliability;
- platform extensions to allow for more carriages on services.
Hannah Lomas, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said:
“I know that football fans will be looking forward to the Women's Euros this summer and I'm sorry if our work impacts their plans. We've worked with our train operating colleagues to keep disruption to a minimum, using alternative routes and transport methods to help passengers get to their destinations.
“This is a really exciting stage of the project, which will transform the Hope Valley line and eventually see passengers enjoy better, more reliable rail services between Manchester and Sheffield.”
Darren Lockwood, Project Director from Volker Rail Story Joint Venture, said:
“We thank the local community for their patience and understanding while we carry out these essential upgrade works on the Hope Valley line. The work plays an important part in facilitating this important investment in Northern travel infrastructure.”
Tony Baxter, Regional Director at Northern, said:
“This work will improve Hope Valley stations and services and we are delighted to be working with our partners on this project.
“We are sorry for any disruption during the improvements and our customers can be assured that both Northern and Network Rail will do everything possible to minimise the impact of the work and deliver alternatives that keep people on the move.”
Kathryn O'Brien, Customer Service and Operations Director at TransPennine Express, said:
“This investment in the Hope Valley route is key in enabling better journeys across the north of England and for the communities we serve.
“While these vital works are happening, we will be working with our railway partners to keep disruption to a minimum. An amended service along our South route will also be running to help keep people on the move and we advise our customers to check before they travel.”
Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director for East Midlands Railway, said:
“We are unable to run trains between Manchester and Sheffield on the 2 and 3 July and therefore we are asking all customers to check before they travel.
“Where possible, rail replacement buses will be provided to help passengers with their onward journeys and all customers are advised to allow extra time to complete their journeys.”
