Sheffield to London trains resume after bridge collapse

A number of train services have been suspended in Doncaster due to trespassers on the railway.

Network Rail said round-the-clock repairs and clearance work on the tracks at Barrow upon Soar in Leicestershire meant rail operator East Midlands Trains was now running a ‘near-normal’ service on the route.

The line between Leicester and Loughborough was completely blocked after brickwork from a road bridge crumbled on to the rails.

Engineers had been investigating reports of dips in the road over the Grove Lane bridge when the parapet wall collapsed at about 11.55pm on Monday.

All four lines were reopened by midday on Wednesday for trains travelling from London St Pancras and cities north of Leicester, including Nottingham and Sheffield.

Some disruption remains for local services between Nottingham, Leicester and Loughborough, with bus transfers being laid on for passengers affected.

Meanwhile, Network Rail, which has apologised for the disruption, said a full investigation is under way into what caused the bridge to collapse.

NR investment director Paul McKeown said: “Our engineers have worked around the clock to make the area safe, remove debris and repair the tracks below.

“We’re sorry for any continuing disruption caused to passengers, who are advised to check service details before they travel.

“A full investigation is under way into the cause of the collapse.

“We are working on plans to repair the bridge and will provide an update to the local community once we have a robust timeline for this work.”

East Midlands Trains managing director Jake Kelly said: “The work carried out by Network Rail yesterday and overnight means that we are able to run a near-normal service again today.”

Timetable changes and bus transfers for passengers for Loughborough, Barrow upon Soar, Syston and Sileby, can be found at eastmidlandstrains.co.uk.