Network Rail has issued a reminder that some train services in the East Midlands will be disrupted because of engineering work in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire over two weekends later this month.

On Saturday/Sunday, 15th/16th, and 22nd/23rd August, 495 metres of drainage at Alfreton, Derbyshire, will be renewed, several sets of points will be replaced at Blackwell South Junction, Derbyshire, and seven sets of points will be refurbished at Trowell Junction on the border of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Northern train services between Sheffield and Nottingham will be replaced by buses, and East Midlands Railway services on the Liverpool Lime Street to Norwich route will be amended, with trains not calling at Ilkeston, Langley Mill, or Alfreton; services to Sheffield will also be significantly reduced. Passengers travelling to and from these stations will be able to use the rail replacement buses replacing Northern train services between Sheffield and Nottingham at no extra cost.

Northern and East Midlands Railway will be working closely with Network Rail to keep passengers moving while the work takes place, but they should check their journeys before they travel and allow extra time.

Services between Sheffield and Nottingham will also be disrupted next weekend, Saturday/Sunday 8th/9th August, whilst engineers carry out work at Alfreton Tunnel. East Midlands Railway services will also be disrupted by strike action called by the RMT Union for Saturday, 8th, and 15th August.

“These upgrades represent a significant investment which will help make the railway more reliable for passenger and freight services in the East Midlands. By renewing assets including drainage systems, and renewing and refurbishing points, we’re investing in infrastructure that will help reduce the impact of flooding, improve performance and keep trains moving safely. We’re sorry to anyone whose journey will be affected. We’re grateful for passengers’ patience while we carry out the work, and we’re encouraging people to plan ahead and check their journey before travelling.”

Eric Larocque, Operations Director, Network Rail