'Substantial' damage caused by Sheffield train derailment to impact travel in 'coming days'

Around 2:45 this morning, (Wednesday, 11 November), a freight service carrying cement derailed at the north end of Sheffield station while travelling from Hope to Dewsbury.

The incident caused significant damage to both the tracks and the signalling system and substantial repairs need to take place. Before the work can begin, the derailed train needs to be removed.

Consequently, passengers planning to travel to, from or on routes through Sheffield have been advised urged to check before travelling via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator.

Matt Rice, Route Director for Network Rail’s North and East Route, said: “This is a significant incident, so it’s only right that we take time to find out all of the facts and understand what has caused this.

“Once it is safe to do so, we will start work to remove the train, better assess the extent of the damage and make a plan for repairs.

“This process is taking some time and we are sorry for the disruption which this is causing. There will still be service changes tomorrow and over the coming days. We urge anyone planning to travel to, from or via Sheffield to check before travelling.”

Throughout today, only three of the eight platforms at Sheffield station have been available for use, causing major disruption to services.

Two more platforms are expected to reopen for the start of service tomorrow.

Services cancelled and commuters delayed after train derails at Sheffield Railway Station

There will still be changes to services, particularly for Northern and East Midlands Railway's passengers. Both CrossCountry and TransPennine Express are expecting to be able to run a full service as of November 12.

There will also be some disruption to motorists in Sheffield as the A61, which runs in front of Sheffield station, will partially close to allow cranes, which are needed to move the derailed train, to be stabled there. A clearly signposted diversion route will be in operation.

Network Rail has confirmed that an announcement will be made ‘later this week’ about when repairs are expected to complete and all platforms are able to reopen.

Investigators are working to establish the cause of the derailment.