Network Rail, along with Northern, are urging passengers to check before travelling in South Yorkshire in March whilst major upgrade work takes place.

Passengers planning on travelling to, from and via Barnsley, Wombwell, Elsecar, Chapeltown or Meadowhall on Saturday, 28 and Sunday, 29 March are advised to check before travelling due to changes to train services whilst upgrade work takes place on Hough Lane road bridge in Wombwell.

Engineers will be demolishing the old bridge and putting the new one in, which will be at a raised height.

In order for this work to be carried out, the line will be closed between Barnsley and Meadowhall.

Bus replacement services will operate between Barnsley and Meadowhall, via Wombwell, Elsecar and Chapeltown. This work will affect Northern services between Leeds and Nottingham, Huddersfield and Lincoln and between Leeds and Sheffield via Moorthorpe.

Hough Lane road bridge was built in 1895 and the original bridge deck is still in place.

What did the officials say?

Matt Rice, Route Director (North and East) for Network Rail, said:

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience which this work will cause for pedestrians and rail passengers.

“This is really important work to upgrade Hough Lane road bridge, so it can continue to be used for future generations. Once the work is completed, people in the area will benefit from wider footpaths and a cycle path on the bridge.

“We strongly advise passengers travelling between Barnsley and Meadowhall to allow plenty of time for their journeys, as they will need to use replacement bus services over the weekend.”

Steve Hopkinson, Regional Director at Northern, said:

“The weekend closure will cause some disruption for our passengers, but the long-term benefits are vitally important.

“We are working with Network Rail to keep that disruption to a minimum, but everyone travelling in the area should plan their journeys carefully.”

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