There will be no train services between Derby and Chesterfield/Matlock this weekend, Saturday, 29th and Sunday, 30th March, because of Network Rail engineering work.

CrossCountry services north of Derby will be diverted, will not call at Chesterfield, and journey times will be extended by up to an hour.

A reduced timetable will be in place for CrossCountry train services between Birmingham and Newcastle via Doncaster.

During the weekend. Network Rail engineers will:

• Renew nearly 600 metres of rail, sleeper and ballast in the Belper area.
• Install 120 metres of new pipe in Clay Cross Tunnel to improve the drainage.
• The work will provide better track quality, and smoother and more reliable journeys for passengers.

Service alterations

Saturday 29 March

• There will be no trains between Derby and Matlock, with a rail replacement bus service in operation.
• Some East Midlands Railway (EMR) services from London St Pancras to Sheffield will terminate at Derby.
• Other East Midlands Railway trains to Sheffield will not call at Derby and will be diverted via Alfreton.
• Rail-replacement buses will provide an alternative service between Derby and Chesterfield.

Sunday 30 March

• There will be no trains between Derby and Matlock, with a rail replacement bus service in operation.
• East Midlands Railway services between St Pancras and Sheffield via Derby will run once per hour.
• Anyone intending to travel in the area this weekend should check before they travel at https://www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operating company.

In 2023, the line through Clay Cross was closed for 16 days whilst major upgrades were made to the track in Clay Cross and Milford tunnels, and in 2022 major work was carried out on the Midland Main Line in the Belper area.

“There will be an amended train service between Derby and Chesterfield on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 March. We recommend customers planning to travel on those dates to check the EMR website for information on how your journey is affected as there are rail replacement buses in place. Thank you to our customers for their patience whilst Network Rail carry out the rail enhancements. These works are crucial for us to provide a more reliable service.”

Philippa Cresswell, customer experience director for East Midlands Railway