Passengers using Midland Mainline services over the coming month are being warned of changes to some routes due to engineering work.
East Midlands Railway (EMR) said travellers should double check timetables between May 27 and June 11 – including the summer half-term – because of the significant impact of what it says will be essential engineering work. The regional operator said the Network Rail work will result in a reduced Monday to Saturday timetable of one train per hour between London St Pancras and Sheffield – which will not call at Derby – and one train per hour between London St Pancras and Derby. Some weekend services will also be affected.
Meanwhile, the Derwent Valley Line will see buses replace trains between Derby and Matlock. Travellers are also being reminded that on May 31 and June 3, members of the ASLEF union will be striking, meaning that there will be no EMR services and no rail replacement buses.
EMR said the work is needed to upgrade drainage and replace sleepers at the Clay Cross and Milford tunnels.
Customer services director Neil Grabham said: “We are asking any customers planning to travel over the Summer half term, between May 27 and June 11, to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to complete their journeys.
“There will be fewer Intercity services to Derby, Chesterfield and Sheffield, and journey times will be extended.
“Rail replacement buses will be in place on the Derwent Valley Line, between Derby and Matlock, with the exception of the ASLEF Strike days on May 31 and June 3, where there will be no services.
“We would like to thank our customers for their patience whilst Network Rail carries out this essential upgrade of the tracks at both Clay Cross and Milford tunnels.”
