EASTER WEEKEND: Buses to replace trains on Buxton line due to engineering works

Engineering work is being carried out and trains will not operate from Friday March 25 to Monday March 28 inclusive.

A spokesman for Network Rail, which is carrying out the work, said: “Because of a new bridge being installed as part of the A6 road improvements, no trains will run between Buxton and Hazel Grove throughout the Easter weekend.

Northern Rail, which operates between both stations, said: “In order for Network Rail to carry out engineering work on the line, trains will be replaced by buses between Hazel Grove and Buxton. Full details and timetables will be available at stations and at www.northernrail.org.”

This disruption to services relates to work on the new A6 bypass as part of the South East Manchester Multi Modal Strategy (SEMMMS) project to improve access to Manchester Airport.

Andrew Walker, project officer for High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership, said: “It’s ironic that train passengers to and from Buxton will suffer a poor service over Easter as the road scheme is nothing to do with the railways.

“Train passengers from Buxton can of course already get to the airport by changing trains at Manchester Piccadilly.”

The A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road Scheme will provide ten kilometres of new two-lane dual carriageway on an east-west route from the A6 near Hazel Grove.

An announcement made on SEMMMS website said: “The majority of the activity will be around the B002 as it nears completion and is prepared for the bridge slide starting on March 25.”

Work on the bridge near Hazel Grove will consist of new steel bridge beams, reinforced with a concrete deck.

The A6 scheme bypasses heavily-congested districts and local centres, including Bramhall, Cheadle Hulme, Hazel Grove, Handforth, Poynton, Wythenshawe, Gatley and Heald Green and will include seven new and four improved junctions, four railway crossings and a parallel shared cycle/pedestrian path.

Mr Walker added: “Regarding the A6 road project – I have seen the work going on recently from the train window and know that eventually it will benefit car users going towards the airport and also provide some relief for residents who currently have that traffic going past their front doors. I guess it’s a case of short-term pain for long-term gain for the region.”