Alternative transport arrangements will be in operation
Engineering works are scheduled to take place at Alfreton Tunnel (cc: Network Rail)(Image: Network Rail )
Services on a major route linking Nottingham have been halted while upgrade work proceeds at a tunnel.
Coach services will operate between Nottingham and Sheffield on Saturday 8 August and Sunday 9 August because of railway enhancement work.
Engineers working for Network Rail will be replacing almost 500 metres of track inside Alfreton Tunnel.
The scheme means Northern will provide bus services connecting Sheffield and Nottingham throughout both days.
East Midlands Railway will implement an altered schedule on the Liverpool Lime Street to Norwich corridor, with services skipping stops at Ilkeston, Langley Mill and Alfreton, plus a considerably reduced offering for Sheffield.
Travellers heading to these stations may use Northern’s replacement coach services.
Additional changes include:
The 6.53am service from Derby to Sheffield on Saturday 8 August will commence from Derby at the later time of 7.20am, running up to 27 minutes behind schedule before ending at Chesterfield at 7.42am.
The 7.40am service from Sheffield to Norwich on Saturday 8 August will depart from Chesterfield at 7.47am.
The 9.17am service from Nottingham to Matlock on Sunday 9 August will leave Derby ahead of its normal time at 9.51am, running up to three minutes early through to Whatstandwell, where it will revert to its scheduled departure time.
Eric Larocque, Network Rail’s operations director, explained that this essential work at Alfreton Tunnel will involve engineers renewing nearly half a kilometre of track, which will help deliver smoother and more reliable journeys for passengers and freight services through the area. He acknowledged that this type of rail improvement work can be inconvenient and expressed apologies to passengers whose journeys are affected.
A spokesperson for Northern and East Midlands Railway said that they are working closely with Network Rail while this important upgrade work takes place at Alfreton Tunnel. The spokesperson thanked customers for their patience and understanding while these improvements are carried out.
Travellers should also note that East Midlands Railway will operate a diminished service across other sections of the network on Saturdays 1 August, 8 August and 15 August because of industrial action.