Network Rail has installed the final pieces of track to relieve the Hope Valley bottleneck through a new passing loop between Bamford and Hathersage stations.
The new track, which totals 850 metres in length, will enable passenger trains to pass slower freight trains on the Hope Valley railway line. This will help deliver faster and more reliable journeys for passengers.
Over the past year, construction work on the passing loop has included the installation of 1,323 sleepers for the rail track, along with 3,600 tonnes of ballast.
To facilitate the work, the team also had to extend a number of structures, including a bridge and three culverts.
Signalling work will now be completed along the route, prior to the passing loop becoming operational in Spring 2024.
This project is part of the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade, which will improve rail services between Manchester and Sheffield.
“It’s fantastic to see another important milestone reached on the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade.
“This is an important step that will allow us to improve journeys for those travelling via rail between Manchester and Sheffield for years to come.”
