Rail passengers face major delays

Rail passengers travelling between Sheffield and Chesterfield will face major delays from Monday when multi-million pound improvement works begin.

The £11m works at Bradway tunnel are expected to last until 13 December.

Passengers on nearly all East Midlands Trains' London to Sheffield services have been told to expect a delay of at least nine minutes.

Buses are being used to replace some rail services. Amended timetables are available from all staffed stations.

Network Rail said Bradway tunnel was built between 1865 and 1868 and needed to be repaired and relined with concrete in several places.

Alternative transport

A spokesman said: "When engineers began planning the work on the structure they discovered that the track was due for renewal in 2011/12 which would also require a closure of the tunnel.

"Following consultation with local groups and train operators, this has been brought forward to coincide with the tunnel work, minimising overall disruption and keeping down costs."

Kevin Preece, area general manager, said: "It will take us 13 weeks to do all the work that is needed so we have been working closely with the train operating companies and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive to divert train services where possible.

"If this cannot be done, we are working together to inform passengers and make alternative transport available.

"We will have a member of staff on duty at Sheffield station to help keep services running smoothly. I apologise for any inconvenience caused."

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