Sheffield commuters and shoppers facing disruption on Meadowhall rail route
Sheffield commuters and shoppers are facing disruption on the trains to Meadowhall.
Network Rail has announced that it is carrying out essential track renewals in Attercliffe next week, as part of work which they say will improve the reliability of future journeys.
From Monday February 2 to Friday February 6, there will be a line closure between Sheffield and Meadowhall and a blockage at Woodburn Junction.
During that time, passengers using Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE) or CrossCountry services should allow extra time for journeys, as some services may be diverted, busier than usual, or even replaced with rail replacement buses.
The renewal project will refresh a 1.7km stretch of route – heading north east of Sheffield towards Rotherham and Doncaster – with new rail sleepers and ballast, replacing components installed in 1968. The work will provide the immediate benefit of smoother journeys. Longer term, it will avoid the need for a speed restriction or greater passenger disruption.
Mark O’Halloran, Route Engineer, Network Rail, said: “I would like to thank passengers for their patience while we deliver these track upgrades, delivering a more reliable and resilient railway. While we understand that changes to services can be disruptive, this work is vital to keep the network running safely and smoothly for years to come.”
The train operating companies said in a joint statement: "We’re working closely with Network Rail to keep passengers moving while these essential track renewals take place. Services will be amended from February 2-6, 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 these planned engineering works."
Passengers are urged to check details of their journeys before travelling via National Rail or with their train operators.
- RELATED: Police arrest 'drunk driver' after chase through streets
- RELATED: Central Library could swap places with Millennium Gallery in "ambitious" £180m plans
- RELATED: Sad sight of fairground a day after it closed
- RELATED: Appeal for man in connection to £27,000 burglary at Network Rail depot in Sheffield