Passengers are reminded that journey times this weekend will be affected by the reconstruction of a bridge deck in Sheffield this weekend (7-8 March).
Services between Sheffield and Chesterfield will be affected while the core work takes place to replace the steel structure carrying the railway over the River Sheaf at Beauchief to ensure the continued safe running of the line.
The new 73-tonne bridge deck will be lifted into place by crane. Sixty metres of track will also be renewed, held in place with 86 tonnes of ballast and 90 new sleepers. This work will mean on 7-8 March:
- East Midlands Railway (EMR) running an amended and reduced service between Sheffield and London St Pancras, with journey times taking longer than usual between Sheffield and Chesterfield.
- An amended EMR service between Sheffield and Nottingham, and between Nottingham and Norwich, as a result of other engineering work taking place between Manchester Piccadilly and Sheffield.
- EMR trains between Sheffield and Nottingham calling additionally at Alfreton, Ilkeston and Langley Mill.
- Northern have rail replacement buses between Sheffield and Chesterfield.
Preparatory work started in January with a site compound established at nearby Dore & Totley station. This has meant changes to parking arrangements at Dore & Totley station, with alternative parking available at Abbeydale Sports Club, but both station platforms will remain open and accessible throughout the project.
Tom Grainger, Network Rail lead portfolio manager, said: “Replacing this life-expired bridge is essential to maintain the safe and reliable operation of the railway between Sheffield and Chesterfield. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by the temporary parking arrangements for Dore & Totley station, and the changes to services this weekend, as we deliver this vital upgrade.”
A spokesperson on behalf of EMR and Northern said: “We’re working closely with Network Rail to keep passengers moving while this essential upgrade takes place in Sheffield. Services will be amended over the weekend of 7-8 March, so we’re encouraging customers to check before they travel and allow extra time for their journeys.
“We’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while Network Rail carries out this project.”
The project is set to be completed and the station car park fully restored by the end of April.
Image credit: Network Rail