Network Rail reinstates Dore & Totley platform lost in 1980s

Work to reduce bottlenecks between Sheffield and Manchester will accelerate this weekend when construction starts of a new platform at Dore & Totley station.

The platform is being built as part of the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade. This will see new infrastructure and track, as well as several station upgrades and line speed improvements, along the Hope Valley line. The new platform will help facilitate and improve journeys for passengers travelling along the line between Manchester and Sheffield as part of the wider improvement work to train journey times.

Hope Valley Railway Upgrade will remove several bottlenecks between Manchester and Sheffield to allow passenger trains to overtake slower freight trains along the line.

Improvements include:

• A new platform and accessible footbridge with lifts at Dore & Totley station
• A railway loop between Bamford and Hathersage
• A new overbridge at Hathersage West, replacing the current foot crossing to improve safety
• Signalling improvements along the line to improve reliability
• Platform extensions to allow for more carriages on services

It has been over 30 years since Dore & Totley station had a second platform, with the original island platform demolished in the 1980s.

Work at Dore & Totley will help passenger trains overtake slower freight services. Credit: Network Rail

Rail minister, Huw Merriman said: “Building a second platform at the bustling Dore and Totley station in Sheffield is another way the Government is demonstrating its continued commitment to transforming travel in the North.”

“Through our Hope Valley Railway Upgrade, we are easing bottlenecks, delivering more capacity and improving connectivity and reliability between two dynamic Northern cities, Sheffield and Manchester.”

Graeme Whitehead, senior sponsor for Network Rail, said: “Reintroducing a second platform back to Dore & Totley is the centrepiece of the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade, creating a better passenger experience for our customers.

“We’re excited to mark one more milestone on the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade, as we continue to work to improve journeys between Manchester and Sheffield.”

Along with the new platform, the work at Dore & Totley includes the installation of a second line of track and signalling work through the station, the extension of Dore South Curve railway line and the installation of a fully accessible footbridge with lifts.

Elsewhere on the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade, work is progressing to build a new passing loop at Bamford, to enable passenger trains to pass slower freight trains, while the team are completing the final elements of work on the newly installed Hathersage footbridge, which has replaced Hathersage West level foot crossing.