Romiley station platform upgrades to boost future rail capacity

Platforms at Romiley station on the Hope Valley line are being extended in January 2022 to allow longer trains to stop there in the future.

The essential upgrades to platforms 1 and 2 will start on 4 January and involves work to strengthen the railway bridge over Stockport Road which forms part of the station.

For the work to be carried out safely, the railway and road will need to be closed at certain times.

Passengers are being advised that no trains will run on Saturday 8 January between New Mills Central and Sheffield, or on Sunday 16 and 23 January between Manchester Piccadilly and Sheffield.

To keep passengers on the move rail replacement bus services will be in operation.

People are advised to plan their journey in advance at:

www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Meanwhile, Stockport Road will also be closed to traffic on the affected weekends so a large crane can be used as part of the project.

Clearly signposted diversionary routes will be in place for road users from Saturday night to Monday morning each weekend from 8 January to 7 February 2022.

Meanwhile a section of Romiley station’s carpark will be out of use for passengers for the entire duration of the work between January and February.

This is so a site compound with facilities for railway staff can be created.

Jim Scholes, project manager for Network Rail, said: “These essential platform extensions will allow for longer trains to stop at Romiley station, while also ensuring the bridge is safe for years to come.

“I appreciate the road closure and diversionary route will cause some inconvenience for passengers, residents and motorists. We would like to thank everyone for their patience while we complete this major upgrade.”

Chris Jackson, regional director for Northern, said: "Whilst we will have an amended service for the Hope Valley on some Sundays during January we welcome the investment and the long-term benefits for customers. 

"We will be running bus replacement services between Manchester and Sheffield on affected Sundays and are asking passengers to check the details of their journey on www.nationalrail.co.uk before they travel.

"Some of the car park at Romiley will be out of use as it is needed to allow Network Rail to complete the improvement work."

Work to extend the platforms and strengthen the bridge will take place during a combination of day and night-time shifts. 

Network Rail has written to residents and will continue to keep people updated about the project’s progress.