In Derbyshire, major track upgrades are taking place in Belper this weekend (9th and 10th July).

The £500,000 upgrades will help to make the railway more reliable for passengers using the line. Passengers hoping to travel between Derby and Sheffield or Matlock are being advised to check before they travel.

The crucial work will involve re-laying around five kilometres of sleepers, rail and supporting stones along the Midland Main Line. The work aims to improve the line and help passengers get to their locations on time.

To allow for the safe work to be carried out, trains between Derby and Matlock or Derby and Sheffield will not be running over the weekend. Rail replacement buses will be in place to keep passengers moving so passengers should check before traveling.

Gary Walsh, East Midlands Route Director for Network Rail, said: “The Midland Main Line is one of Britain’s core rail lines and links businesses and communities across the East Midlands with each other, and with the capital. This work will renew a key section of that route, providing rail passengers with a reliable railway for many years to come.

“I’d advise passengers to plan their journey if they are travelling this weekend and thank them for their patience while we carry out this essential work.”

Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director for EMR, said: “We are unable to run trains between Derby and Matlock and Derby and Sheffield on the 9 and 10 July and therefore we are asking all customers to check before they travel.

“Rail replacement buses will be provided to help customers with their onward journeys and all customers are advised to allow extra time to complete their journeys.

“We would like to thank our customers for their patience whilst Network Rail carry out these engineering works in Belper.”

Richard Morris, Regional Director East Midlands & Anglia for CrossCountry, said: “Our long-distance services use this important section of the Midland Main Line to link Scotland and Yorkshire with the Midlands and the South and West. Our customers will benefit from this essential track upgrade work as we know that faster journey times and more reliable infrastructure means rail can continue to be a viable alternative to motorway travel.”