Seven-Week Rail Closure in New Mills: Impact on Travelers
If you're planning a trip between Sheffield and Manchester Piccadilly this summer, be prepared for significant changes. Due to emergency railway repair work, rail services will be disrupted from July 6 to August 25, affecting travelers' plans.
To address a critical issue in Hague Bar, New Mills, where engineers have been tirelessly working to stabilize the earth supporting the railway, a seven-week closure is necessary. The risk of 50,000 tonnes of earth falling into the River Goyt has prompted this urgent action. This will undoubtedly impact your travel itinerary if you're journeying through this route.
During the closure, a bus replacement service will operate between New Mills Central and Chinley station. This will mean longer travel times and potential delays. If you're traveling between Manchester Piccadilly and Sheffield, expect service changes and plan accordingly.
Travelers should note the following service adjustments:
- From Monday to Saturday, an hourly train service will run between Manchester Piccadilly and Marple. From Marple to Chinley, a bus service will be available.
- On Sundays, an hourly bus service will operate between Manchester Piccadilly, Bredbury, Marple, and Chinley.
- Services between Chinley and Manchester Piccadilly will divert via Hazel Grove and Stockport, with a bus connection between Chinley and Marple.
Network Rail's project manager, Vitesh Solanki, emphasizes the importance of checking National Rail enquiries for the latest travel advice during this period. "We understand the inconvenience this causes to travelers, but it's the quickest and safest way to ensure the railway is secure and operational again soon," he explained.
Northern, working closely with Network Rail, is striving to minimize the disruption. A Northern spokesperson expressed gratitude to customers for their patience and assured that every effort would be made to maintain service continuity.
For travelers, this means planning ahead is crucial. Check the National Rail website before embarking on your journey to avoid unexpected delays. Allow extra time for your travel and consider alternative routes where possible.