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Friday 10 Mar 2023

Disruption for Buxton and Hope Valley line passengers due to snow

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: North West

Railway workers are out in force clearing deep snow which has closed two rail routes in the Peak District.

Network Rail extreme weather action teams are working hard to keep passengers and freight moving on the majority of the railway network.

However strong winds are blowing on exposed parts of the Buxton line and Hope Valley line causing snow to drift.

Accumulations of up to eight inches above the railway lines fell overnight on both routes which means no trains are currently running between Hazel Grove and Buxton or between Manchester and Sheffield on the Hope Valley line today (Friday 10 March).

It’s estimated that the routes will be back up and running again between 3pm and 6pm.

Passengers are urged to continue checking www.nationalrail.co.uk before they set off on their journeys today.

Ross Davies, Network Rail’s North West route head of control, said: “As expected substantial snowfall hit the Pennines overnight and our teams are out fighting against the elements to get trains moving on our higher routes through the Peak District.

“I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we make the Hope Valley and Buxton lines safe for trains to run and ask people to keep checking National Rail Enquiries for the latest travel information so they aren’t caught out in the cold.”

Chris Jackson, regional director for Northern, said: “Customers should check before they travel and allow more time for their journey if they intend on using services today. I’d also ask that people be mindful that our teams across the region are doing their best in difficult circumstances to help get people where they want to be. Your patience and co-operation is appreciated.”

Meanwhile other routes in the Peak District have been running, including the Glossop line.

Video released today shows the first few services leaving the station amid the wintry conditions.

The railway is no different from other modes of transport in being affected by winter weather, including snow and ice.

Cold weather can impact on rail services in a number of ways, including:

• causing points and mechanical signals to freeze
• snow and ice blocking points, limiting the ability for trains to use certain routes
• ice forming on overhead power lines, affecting power supplies
• falling snow and sleet can reduce drivers' visibility of line side signs and signals, meaning trains have to travel more slowly.

For the latest travel information please visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.

More details on how Network Rail handles snow and ice can be found here: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/looking-after-the-railway/delays-explained/snow-and-ice/