No trains will run from Manchester Piccadilly railway station to Buxton in Derbyshire this weekend due to work to upgrade a tunnel, Network Rail has said.
Passengers are being warned to plan their journeys in advance as a result. Network Rail said it is investing £1.5m to renew the lines through the 163-year-old, Victorian-era Eaves Tunnel on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September.
Work through the Victorian tunnel
The work will see new railway foundation stone – known as ballast – also replaced through the 400 metre-long tunnel between Chapel-en-le-Frith and Dove Holes.
As a result, trains won't run between Manchester Piccadilly and Buxton this weekend. Rail replacement buses will also run between New Mills Newtown and Buxton.
Quotes from Network Rail and Northern
A Network Rail spokesperson said: "When complete, the new tracks will provide smoother and more reliable journeys for passengers travelling on this important commuter and tourist route into the Peak District. For the work to take place, no trains can run between New Mills Newtown station and Buxton station over the affected weekend."
"Rail replacement buses will be in operation to keep passengers on the move."
Andrew Mulholland, programme manager for Network Rail, said: "We’re closing the railway between New Mills Newtown and Buxton to upgrade the tracks inside Eaves Tunnel, so we can offer a smoother journey onboard train services. I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while this vital work takes place."
Replacement services and advice
Stuart Taylor, Northern’s director of service delivery for Greater Manchester, said: "We know this is an important route for our customers and are pleased that work will be done to deliver smoother and more reliable journeys for years to come."
"There will be no trains between New Mills Newtown and Buxton while the engineering work is being carried out, but we will be running rail replacement services to keep people moving. Customers should check before they travel and allow extra time for journeys."
The work is being completed for Network Rail by the Central Rail Systems Alliance.
