Vital work on the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade is set to resume as improvements to the railway line between Manchester and Sheffield advance. As a result of these developments, train services will not run between Sheffield and New Mills stations on both Sunday 5th and Sunday 12th November.
These station closures are necessary to facilitate essential work along the route, including the installation of a second platform and new footbridge with lifts at Dore & Totley station, whilst the ongoing construction of a passing loop between Bamford and Hathersage stations continues.
Some rail operators are using diversionary routes between Manchester and Sheffield, so passengers are encouraged to check nationalrail.co.uk for more information about changes to journeys.
Passengers should also note that Dore & Totley station car park is currently closed until Tuesday 14th November to enable the work to take place.
Disabled parking and an alternative drop off point is in place temporarily at Ladies Spring Grove whilst local businesses Hair Union, Rajdhani restaurant and the Summerhouse restaurant, remain open and accessible throughout the closure.
When travelling to the station, passengers are encouraged to walk, cycle or car share where possible. All 97, 98 and 218 buses along Abbeydale Road South stop outside the station.
Phil Montgomery, Programme Manager from Network Rail said: “Significant construction work has been in progress along the Hope Valley route since July 2022 and it has been great to see the visible progress that has been made so far. The construction of the new platform at Dore & Totley station is just one example of the project coming to life, with plenty more to come.
“Thank you in advance to the passengers and lineside neighbours for your ongoing patience as we continue to upgrade the Hope Valley railway.”
The project started in Spring 2021 and is due to be completed in Spring 2024.
What work is taking place?
The Hope Valley Railway Upgrade will remove several bottlenecks between Manchester and Sheffield to allow passenger trains to overtake slower freight trains along the line.
The main improvements include:
- 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
