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 rail improvements are being delivered for Network Rail by a joint venture of VolkerRail and Story Contracting.
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 was carried out during the first of four successive weekend railway line closures throughout January and February.