Journeys are set to be transformed for northern passengers thanks to £137 million of government investment that will deliver more capacity and improve connectivity between Sheffield and Manchester.

To help meet future demand, the Hope Valley capacity scheme is designed to remove bottlenecks on the line by creating places for fast passenger services to overtake slower moving freight trains, allowing more trains to run and increasing the reliability of services.

Network Rail is now finalising detailed designs that will improve sections of the railway between Bamford station and Jaggers Lane Bridge in Hathersage, and around Dore & Totley station, where a second platform will also be added. Work is expected to begin in 2022 and will be completed in 2023.

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: "I am delighted to confirm £137 million for this scheme to remove bottlenecks on the Hope Valley line, transforming journeys between Sheffield and Manchester – 2 dynamic Northern Powerhouse cities.

"We are committed to levelling up infrastructure across the North, and these important upgrades will make a huge difference to passengers, providing the punctual, reliable services they deserve, as we build back better from COVID-19."

As part of this project, Network Rail will continue to look at ways to speed up the start of the work by:

• carrying out signalling design work at the same time as the tendering process
• talking to train and freight operating companies about changes to the network that may be needed during construction

Planning for the additional fast service through the Hope Valley scheme is being considered as part of work carried out by the Manchester Recovery Taskforce, which is looking at a range of options over the decade to improve performance in and around Manchester.