VOLKERRAIL: FIRST PHASE OF TRACK INSTALLATION COMPLETED TO RELIEVE HISTORIC HOPE VALLEY RAILWAY BOTTLENECK

Engineers working at Bamford on the Hope Valley line laid the first 340 metres of track for a new ‘passing loop’ that will allow slower trains to switch to the new track, while faster trains continue past at a higher speed.

The work is part of the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade, which will alleviate several bottlenecks along the route between Manchester and Sheffield and provide upgrades to stations.

340 metres of track has been installed between Bamford and Hathersage stations to create the start and end points of the new passing loop. The line through the Hope Valley was closed during installation, with engineers working around the clock using machinery including heavy lift excavators, a dozer, an engineering train and a tamper.

Since the start of the year, more than 700 metres of new track has been installed in Dore & Totley. Work to extend a bridge has also been completed, to facilitate the second line of track through Dore & Totley station, along with a new platform and accessible footbridge.



The Hope Valley Railway Upgrade will bring benefits to passengers from the area and to those travelling through on longer journeys. The upgrade will mean more reliable trains and more accessible stations.