Railway line between Barnsley and Wakefield to close as Network Rail investigate hole under track
The problem was discovered near Darton in December.
There's set to be major disruption to rail services between Barnsley and Wakefield later this month, as Network Rail investigate a hole that appeared under the line.
The problem was discovered near Darton in December. The hole was filled in but trains have been running at 20mph through the area since.
Rail bosses think it could be linked to former coal mines in the area, but need time to take a proper look.
It'll mean the line will be closed between the February 15th and March 2nd, to allow engineers to take a proper look.
Northern will be running a reduced service between Sheffield, Barnsley, Leeds and Wakefield during that time, with replacement buses between Barnsley and Wakefield Kirkgate and Westgate.
Arran Crawford, Network Rail route engineer, said: “We have worked hard to provide short-term measures and keep train services on the move, but we now need to establish the underlying cause of the loss of ballast seen in December.
“Our investigations so far have not identified a clear cause but given Barnsley’s strong coalmining heritage, it is crucial we explore if there have been any changes in the ground beneath the railway line.
“We’re sorry to passengers and residents affected while this work takes place, but it’s important this work is carried out as quickly and thoroughly as possible.”