UK: Final Track Installed to Eliminate Hope Valley Bottleneck

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.

Network Rail's team carry out construction work on the Bamford loop
Network Rail’s team carry out construction work on the Bamford loop

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.

Graeme Whitehead, Senior Sponsor for Network Rail, said:

“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.”

Get your news featured on Railway-News

Please fill in the contact form opposite. A member of the team will be in touch shortly.







    We'd love to send you the latest news and information from the world of Railway-News. Please tick the box if you agree to receive them.

    For your peace of mind here is a link to our Privacy Policy.

    By submitting this form, you consent to allow Railway-News to store and process this information.

    Subscribe
    Follow Railway-News on LinkedIn
    Follow Railway-News on Twitter