Rail users warned that vital maintenance work could delay their journeys
RAILWAY users from Rotherham may get caught up in disruption to train trips to the Midlands over the next few weekends.
Improvement work in Derbyshire and Staffordshire will impact on passenger services over the next two weekends, with some journeys requiring a replacement bus.
Network Rail will be working at several sites to renew more than 1km of track, more than half a kilometre of drainage and upgrade signalling at a level crossing.
Passengers travelling between Derby and Uttoxeter/Crewe/Tamworth on Saturday July 11, Sunday July 12, Saturday July 18 and Sunday July 19 are advised to check before they travel and allow more time for journeys.
The work means that, for East Midlands Railway, on Saturday July 11 and Saturday July 18, rail replacement buses will run between Derby and Crewe.
Additionally, the 5.50am Nottingham to Crewe service will not run. A rail replacement bus will run from Nottingham to Crewe.
On Sunday July 12 and Sunday July 19, rail replacement buses will run between Derby and Uttoxeter.
Additionally, the 9.22pm Crewe to Derby service will not run. A rail replacement bus will run from Crewe to Derby.
Some Intercity Sheffield to London St Pancras services on Saturday July 11 and Saturday July 18 will run three minutes earlier than usual between Sheffield and Derby.
Arrangements for CrossCountry over both weekends are that Nottingham to Cardiff Central services on Saturday July 11 will start and terminate at Tamworth, instead of Nottingham.
For the remaining dates, trains will start and terminate at Birmingham New Street instead of Nottingham.
Services to and from North East England and Scotland will be diverted on a longer route, and will not call at Burton-on-Trent or Tamworth.
Replacement buses will operate between Derby and Tamworth.
Dan Matthews, Network Rail operations director, said: “While this essential work means some changes to services over the next two weekends, these upgrades will help deliver a stronger railway for passengers and freight operators.
“We’re renewing track, improving drainage and upgrading signalling to reduce delays, improve resilience and support smoother, more reliable journeys for years to come.
“We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience, thank passengers for their patience while this work takes place and encourage anyone travelling through the area to check their journey before setting off.”
A spokesperson for East Midlands Railway and CrossCountry said: “While this important work is taking place, some services will be amended and rail replacement buses will operate on parts of the route.
“We’re working closely with Network Rail to keep customers moving and minimise disruption wherever possible.
“We’d encourage customers to plan ahead, check their journey before travelling and allow extra time where replacement bus services are in operation.
“We thank everyone for their patience while these improvements are carried out.”