The massive rainfall of 12th and 13th June caused a major landslip on the line between Buxton, Derbyshire and Hazel Grove, Greater Manchester, and washed away a section of the double track line just beyond the platforms at Middleton. No trains have been able to run between Hazel Grove and Buxton since 13th June.
Emergency work to repair the railway between Buxton and Hazel Grove is due to be completed this week so train services can resume on Saturday.
Around 6,000 tonnes of material was dislodged following heavy rain on Sunday and Monday of last week (12 and 13 June) when about two inches of rain fell in less than two hours.
In order to reopen the railway, Network Rail’s orange army has worked quickly and safely over the last week to repair the damage and minimise the impact to passengers. The work has involved rebuilding a section of embankment and removing track and ballast – the stone which provides the foundation of the railway – near Middlewood station.