Wednesday, August 21, 2024 Network Rail has announced that the key rail route connecting Sheffield and Manchester Piccadilly will remain closed for another month due to urgent repair work. This decision comes after engineers discovered more complex issues with the drainage system during the ongoing repairs to stabilize a landslide in Hague Bar, New Mills. To ensure the long-term resilience of the railway, Network Rail plans to construct five state-of-the-art drainage chambers beneath the tracks.
These chambers will help collect excess water and divert it to the River Goyt, reducing the risk of future landslides. The closure of the railway will cause significant disruption to passengers but Network Rail is working to minimize the inconvenience. A bus replacement service will be provided between Marple and Chinley stations during the closure period.
To keep the community informed, Network Rail is hosting a public meeting on Thursday, August 29 at New Mills Town Hall. Residents are invited to attend and learn more about the project and its impact. Network Rail’s scheme project manager, Vitesh Solanki, apologized for the disruption caused by the closure and expressed gratitude for the community’s patience.
He urged passengers to check National Rail enquiries for the latest travel information. Both Network Rail and the train operator Northern are working together to minimize the impact on passengers. Northern has advised customers to allow extra time for their journeys and to .