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Tuesday 5 Jul 2022

Reliability boost for passengers in Derbyshire this weekend

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Midlands

• Derbyshire rail passengers can expect a more reliable railway as Network Rail renew the track through Belper this weekend (Sat 9 and Sun 10 July)
• The essential £500k project will bring smoother journeys for passengers right along the Midland Main Line and help more trains to run on time
• Buses will replace trains between Derby and Sheffield/Matlock – passengers should check before they travel with National Rail Enquiries

A more reliable railway is on the way for passengers in Derbyshire as a major £500,000 track upgrade gets underway in Belper this weekend (Sat 9 and Sun 10 July). Passengers travelling between Derby and Sheffield or Matlock should check before they travel.

This important work will see around five kilometres of rail, sleepers and supporting stones re-laid along a key section of the Midland Main Line. Bringing a brand-new lease of life to these 49-year-old tracks will unlock better, more reliable journeys, helping passengers travelling through Derby to get to where they need to be, on time.

To allow our teams to carry out this work safely, there will be no trains running between Derby and Matlock or Derby and Sheffield this weekend, with rail replacement buses keeping passengers moving. Passengers should check before they travel with their train operator or National Rail Enquiries.

While the work is taking place in Belper, passengers right along the Midland Main Line – which links London with the East Midlands and Sheffield – will reap the benefits.  The new, more reliable track will bring smoother journeys for passengers for many years to come.

Gary Walsh, East Midlands Route Director for Network Rail, said: “The Midland Main Line is one of Britain’s core rail lines and links businesses and communities across the East Midlands with each other, and with the capital. This work will renew a key section of that route, providing rail passengers with a reliable railway for many years to come.

“I’d advise passengers to plan their journey if they are travelling this weekend and thank them for their patience while we carry out this essential work.”

Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director for EMR, said: “We are unable to run trains between Derby and Matlock and Derby and Sheffield on the 9 and 10 July and therefore we are asking all customers to check before they travel.

“Rail replacement buses will be provided to help customers with their onward journeys and all customers are advised to allow extra time to complete their journeys.

“We would like to thank our customers for their patience whilst Network Rail carry out these engineering works in Belper.”

Richard Morris, Regional Director East Midlands & Anglia for CrossCountry, said: “Our long-distance services use this important section of the Midland Main Line to link Scotland and Yorkshire with the Midlands and the South and West. Our customers will benefit from this essential track upgrade work as we know that faster journey times and more reliable infrastructure means rail can continue to be a viable alternative to motorway travel."

ENDS