Track and signalling upgrades progress on Hope Valley Railway Upgrade
The Hope Valley line improvements are nearing completion, with significant track and signalling work completed over the weekend, despite harsh weather conditions.
Between Stockport and New Mills, a new signalling system covering over 13 miles of track was commissioned into service. This new system will improve the line speed capability for trains, marking the completion of upgrades along this section of the line.
Towards Sheffield, 380m of track was installed in Grindleford, including 1,850 tonnes of ballast and 430 sleepers.
The first set of stairs was also lifted in for a new, accessible footbridge, at Dore & Totley station, to connect the structure to the existing platform.
Graeme Whitehead, senior sponsor for the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade, said: “This was an important weekend for the scheme as we installed new track, carried out signalling upgrades and further platform works at Dore & Totley.
“It brings us another step closer to improving the connectivity of Manchester and Sheffield, and realising the benefits for passengers travelling by train.”
Jim Goldsby, project director from VolkerRailStory JV, said: “It’s been a successful weekend on the project, where the team reacted well to challenges created by difficult weather conditions. We’re pleased with the progress of work so far and are looking forward to completing the scheme over the coming months.”
The work, delivered for Network Rail by a joint venture of VolkerRail and Story Contracting, was carried out during the first of four successive weekend railway line closures being undertaken throughout January and February.
The next three weekends will see the final upgrades continue in Grindleford and Dore & Totley, before a nine day railway line closure at the end of March, which will enable the project’s completion.
