The Hope Valley line improvements are nearing completion following significant track and signalling work completed this weekend, as team HVRU battled through harsh weather to deliver the upgrades.
The work is part of a scheme to improve the reliability of passenger journeys travelling between Manchester and Sheffield.
Between Stockport and New Mills, a new signalling system covering over 13 miles of track was commissioned into service.
A total of 12 signals were installed to 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 1850 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 and carried out both 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.”
The next three weekends will see the final upgrades continue in Grindleford and Dore & Totley, before a 9-day railway line closure at the end of March will enable the project’s completion.
