Network Rail has issued an update on the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade, revealing that it has achieved major progress.

Workers have completed the majority of the earthworks needed to set the foundations for a new passing track loop between Bamford and Hathersage stations that will enable passenger trains to pass slower freight trains.

As part of the major upgrade project between Manchester and Sheffield, Network Rail’s team has drilled 935 nails into the soil and has completed regrading work at Bamford. This has cleared the land that is needed for the new track, and has secured the adjoining rock face. This enables the new track to be installed later this year.

Network Rail installed the first section of new track on the loop Bamford between November 2022 and February 2023.

This included building and placing two turnout sections of track for the loop, which will eventually meet in the middle to complete a passing loop for fast trains to pass, so reducing delays to services.

Elsewhere on the project, Network Rail is building a second platform and a new footbridge at Dore and Totley station, and has started work on the foundations. It has also installed over 2355m of track at Dore and Totley since July 2022,

Network Rail expects to complete the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade in spring next year. The Upgrade will remove several bottlenecks between Manchester and Sheffield, allowing passenger trains to overtake freight trains.

The improvements include:

• a new platform and accessible footbridge with lifts at Dore and Totley station
• a railway loop between Bamford and Hathersage
• a new overbridge at Hathersage West, a safer replacement for the current foot crossing
• improved signalling along the line
• extended platforms to allow for more carriages.

Network Rail promises that these improvements will contribute to a better and more reliable rail services in the North of England.

Graeme Whitehead, Senior Sponsor on the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade said: “We’re very pleased with the progress of work that the team have made at Bamford, despite challenging ground conditions”.

“Reaching this milestone means that we’re one step closer to completing the passing loop and delivering benefits to passengers travelling along the Hope Valley line.”