East Midlands Railway (EMR) train services on the Midland Mainline will be severely disrupted for two weeks at the end of this month because of essential engineering work.

The disruption will last from From Saturday, 27th May to Sunday, 11th June, which includes the summer half-term. The work will deliver a vital package of improvements to both Clay Cross and Milford tunnels, including upgrading drainage and replacing sleepers.

This will help maintain a safe, reliable, and smooth service for customers and freight users through the tunnels.

From Saturday, 27th May to Sunday, 11th June:

• There will be a reduced service Monday to Saturday of one train per hour between London St Pancras and Sheffield that will not call at Derby and one train per hour between London St Pancras and Derby.

On Sunday, 4th June:

• One train run per hour from Sheffield to London St Pancras via Derby.
• Between 1400-1830 there will also be one train per hour from Derby to London St Pancras.

On Sunday, 11 June:

• One train per hour from Sheffield to London St Pancras via Derby.

On the Derwent Valley Line:

• Buses will connect with train services at Derby and replace trains between Derby and Matlock,

The ASLEF union will be taking strike action on Wednesday 31st May and Saturday, 3rd June, which means that on those days there will be no East Midlands Railway services and no rail replacement buses.

Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director for East Midlands Railway, said: “We are asking any customers planning to travel over the Summer half term, between 27 May and 11 June, to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to complete their journeys.

“There will be fewer Intercity services to Derby, Chesterfield and Sheffield, and journey times will be extended.

“Rail replacement buses will be in place on the Derwent Valley Line, between Derby and Matlock, with the exception of the ASLEF Strike days on 31 May and 3 June, where there will be no services.

“We would like to thank our customers for their patience whilst Network Rail carries out this essential upgrade of the tracks at both Clay Cross and Milford tunnels.”