Rail upgrades help to improve line for services across the Peak District
A SERIES of upgrades have been completed on the Hope Valley Railway line to increase the reliability of services travelling across the Peak District.
From Saturday, March 16, to Sunday, March 24, the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade team worked around the clock to deliver the upgrades.
Over the nine-day period, track installation and drainage works were carried out in the Dore and Totley area, with the Dore South Curve extension completed.
These upgrades have increased the capacity through Dore and Totley by doubling the number of tracks in and out of the station, whilst track work in Grindleford was also completed.
Ben Shaw, sponsor of the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade, said: “We’re delighted to have made the final step in the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade project, bringing our passengers the railway they deserve. This final phase of upgrades means customers will have a faster, more reliable, accessible railway between Manchester and Sheffield.”
Engineers also worked on the new second platform at Dore and Totley station, now linked to the existing platform via an accessible footbridge. During the work, the existing platform was extended to accommodate longer trains. Some final work is set to be completed in the coming weeks which will include the commissioning of the new lifts, making the station fully accessible for customers.
Mr Shaw added: “On behalf of the entire project team, I’d like to extend my thanks to all passengers and residents across the Hope Valley line for their patience and understanding.
“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.”