Network Rail will be undertaking work to replace a railway bridge near the town of Hope in Derbyshire between Saturday 27 April and Wednesday 1 May.

The work estimated at a cost of £3.4 million will ensure that the bridge which carries the Hope Valley Line will be dependable in future years.

Bowden Lane, the road that passes under the railway bridge, will be closed from this Friday 29th March so preliminary work can be undertaken on the existing bridge.

Diversion signs will be placed to aid motorists so they can use alternative routes in the surrounding area.

While the work is being carried out, trains will not be able to run between Saturday 27 April and Wednesday 1 May, with replacement buses operating between Sheffield and Manchester, with passengers being requested to check services before they travel or at www.nationalrail.co.uk 

Parts of the Hope Valley Line have already been closed, most notably within the last week as the last of the lines upgrade works have been undertaken.

This has also seen platforms being temporarily taken out of use at Sheffield station, with those that remain open only serving long-distance services.

Customers are also reminded to check their trains before they travel to and from Sheffield.

We’re investing £3.4m to rebuild a bridge along this key corridor between Sheffield and Manchester. The work will make sure the bridge is safe and reliable for rail passengers and road users for years to come. I’d like to thank passengers and the local community for their patience while the essential work is carried out. Please check before you travel between Sheffield and Manchester from Saturday 27 April to Wednesday 1 May 2024.”

Theresa Nibloe, scheme project manager at Network Rail

All investment in rail infrastructure is welcomed and we would ask for our customers patience while these important works are carried out. Rail replacement busses are in place but customers are advised to check before they travel.”

A spokesperson for the train operators Northern and TransPennine Express