The final pieces of rail track have been installed to help relieve a bottleneck on the Hope Valley railway line, providing faster and more reliable rail journeys for passengers.

Totalling 850 metres in length, the track forms part of a new passing loop between Bamford and Hathersage stations to allow passenger trains to pass slower freight trains on the route.

The work is part of the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade, which will improve journeys between Manchester and Sheffield.

Construction of the passing loop has taken place over the past year, including during two full weekend line closures where engineers worked around the clock to complete major elements of work.


A total of 1323 sleepers were installed for the new track along with 3600 tonnes of ballast for the bottom and top stone.

A number of structures have also been extended by the team to facilitate the work, including a bridge and three culverts, which allow water to run beneath the railway.

The passing loop is expected to be operational from Spring 2024, on completion of signalling work along the route.

A total of 3923 metres of new track have now been installed along the Hope Valley line to provide additional passing places for trains and improve the reliability of services.

This includes in Dore & Totley, where work has also been taking place to upgrade the station with a new, accessible footbridge and a second platform.

Preparation for track replacement work in Grindleford is also underway, which will be completed in the new year as part of the modernisation of the signalling systems in the area.