Network Rail is reminding passengers travelling through Sheffield this weekend (7-8 March) to plan ahead of travel, as major engineering work takes place to rebuild a railway bridge.

Engineers will replace the steel deck that carries the line over the River Sheaf at Beauchief, safeguarding services between Sheffield and Chesterfield for years to come.

The project will see a 73-tonne bridge deck lifted into place by crane, alongside the renewal of 60 metres of track using 86 tonnes of ballast and 90 new sleepers.

The work means disruption for passengers across the region. East Midlands Railway (EMR) will run an amended and reduced timetable between Sheffield and London St Pancras, with longer journey times to Chesterfield. Services between Sheffield and Nottingham, and onwards to Norwich, will also be revised. Trains to Nottingham will call additionally at Alfreton, Ilkeston and Langley Mill.

Meanwhile, Northern will operate rail replacement buses between Sheffield and Chesterfield.

Preparatory work began in January at Dore & Totley station, where temporary parking changes remain in place through to late April.

“Replacing this life-expired bridge is essential to maintain the safe and reliable operation of the railway between Sheffield and Chesterfield. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by the temporary parking arrangements for Dore & Totley station, and the changes to services this weekend, as we deliver this vital upgrade.”

Tom Grainger, Network Rail lead portfolio manager.

“We’re working closely with Network Rail to keep passengers moving while this essential upgrade takes place in Sheffield. Services will be amended over the weekend of 7-8 March, 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 this project.”

A spokesperson on behalf of EMR and Northern.