Train services amended as Network Rail replaces life-expired Sheffield bridge

Rail passengers are being warned to expect altered journey times and temporary changes to car parking arrangements as major engineering work is planned in Sheffield to maintain the long-term safety of the railway.

Network Rail is reconstructing the steel bridge deck that carries the railway over the River Sheaf at Beauchief after it reached the end of its working life. The replacement is required to ensure the continued safe operation of services on the route.

The most significant disruption will take place over the weekend of Saturday 7 March and Sunday 8 March, when core construction work is scheduled. During this period, passenger services between Sheffield and Chesterfield will be affected.

Preparatory activity began on Monday 12 January and includes establishing a work compound at Dore & Totley station, delivering materials, erecting scaffolding and installing a temporary crane base. As a result, parking arrangements at Dore & Totley station have been altered, with alternative parking being made available at Abbeydale Sports Club. Both platforms at the station will remain open and fully accessible throughout the project.

The main phase of work will involve lifting a new 73-tonne bridge deck into position using a crane. Around 60 metres of track will also be replaced, supported by 86 tonnes of ballast and 90 new sleepers. As a result of the work taking place on 7 and 8 March, several service changes will be in effect.

East Midlands Railway will operate a reduced and amended service between Sheffield and London St Pancras International, with longer journey times expected between Sheffield and Chesterfield. EMR services between Sheffield and Nottingham, and between Nottingham and Norwich, will also be amended due to separate engineering work between Manchester Piccadilly and Sheffield. In addition, EMR trains running between Sheffield and Nottingham will make extra stops at Alfreton, Ilkeston and Langley Mill. Northern will provide rail replacement bus services between Sheffield and Chesterfield.

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 on the weekend of 7-8 March, 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."

Image: Network Rail