Passengers warned over seven week-long railway line closure

Passengers have been warned to expect train delays over a seven week-long closure of a railway line for emergency work. Network Rail said if the work is not carried out, 'there is a risk of 50,000 tonnes of earth falling from the railway into the River Goyt'.

The project affects a section of a line running between Manchester and Sheffield, a spokesperson confirmed.

In a statement, they said: "Network Rail is advising passengers travelling between Sheffield and Manchester Piccadilly of rail closures in July and August as part of emergency railway repair work. Engineers have been working around the clock in Hague Bar, New Mills, to stabilise the earth that supports the railway.

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"To carry out the work safely and quickly, the railway needs to be closed between Saturday 6 July until Sunday 25 August.

"The closure means there will be some changes to services in the area, with a bus replacement running between New Mills Central and Chinley station. If the work is not carried out, there is a risk of 50,000 tonnes of earth falling from the railway into the River Goyt."

Engineers will drill foundations and build a wall between the railway and the river to stop the movement of the ground.

"This will be carried out as quickly and efficiently as possible to minimise disruption to the community and to reopen the railway fully as soon as possible," added the spokesperson.

Vitesh Solanki, Network Rail’s scheme project manager, said: "I'd advise passengers to check National Rail enquiries for travel advice in July and August for services between Manchester Piccadilly and Sheffield. I'm sorry for the disruption the rail closure will cause