There will be severe disruption to train services through Derbyshire for two weeks starting next Saturday because of track upgrades on both the Midland Main Line and Derwent Valley Line.

From next Saturday, 27th May to Sunday, 11th June, Network Rail engineers will upgrade the drainage, and replace the sleepers and ballast in Clay Cross tunnel in Derbyshire. Specially coated rails will be laid under the tunnel’s ten ventilation shafts to make them more resistant to poor weather.

Also in Derbyshire, all of the tracks in Milford tunnel will be replaced, which also includes replacing over a mile of ballast.

The work on both schemes will require 52 engineering trains and 16,107 tonnes of ballast. Once complete, passengers will benefit from a more modern and reliable railway.

Because of the work in Clay Cross and Milford tunnels, there will be a reduced service between Sheffield and London, leading to extended journey times. There will be no trains along the Derwent Valley Line, with rail-replacement buses being provided instead.

Between Derby and Chesterfield, CrossCountry will operate an hourly train service, with trains travelling via an alternative route that will result in extended journey times.

Between London St Pancras International and Sheffield, East Midlands Railway will operate a reduced service via an alternative route.

Rail replacement buses will be provided between Derby and Chesterfield.

During the period of closure, passengers should check their journeys before travelling and allow extra time.

On Monday 29 May, the League One play-off final between Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday is taking place in London, and all services are expected to be busy.

Steve Hopkinson, Route Director for Network Rail in the East Midlands, said: “This important scheme is essential to maintaining a safe, reliable, and smooth service for passengers and freight users through the tunnels.

“I’d like to thank passengers for their patience whilst we complete this essential engineering work and urge anyone who is planning to travel to check National Rail Enquiries or their train operator’s website before setting off.”

Passengers are also reminded that the ASLEF union will be on strike on May 31 and June 3, which will prevent EMR and CrossCountry services from operating on those days.

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. There are also changes to services on Friday 2 June, due to the RMT strike, customers are advised to check the EMR website for full details.

“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.”