Derwent Valley Line Closure – November 2026
Rail replacement buses will operate between Derby and Matlock from Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 November 2026 while Network Rail carries out major track improvements.
Derwent Valley Line to Close for Nine Days as £3 Million Railway Upgrade Gets Underway
Passengers travelling along the Derwent Valley Line are being urged to plan ahead as a nine-day railway closure is set to affect services between Derby and Matlock this November.
From Saturday 14 November until Sunday 22 November 2026, no passenger trains will operate between Derby and Matlock, with rail replacement buses running throughout the closure.
The disruption is part of a £3 million investment by Network Rail to renew sections of track along the scenic Derbyshire railway, improving reliability and reducing the need for future maintenance.
Rail Replacement Buses
East Midlands Railway (EMR) has confirmed that replacement bus services will operate between Derby and Matlock, calling at all stations along the route.
The closure will affect passengers travelling to and from Derby, Duffield, Belper, Ambergate, Whatstandwell, Cromford, Matlock Bath and Matlock.
Passengers should be aware that replacement buses may take longer than the usual train journey, particularly during busy periods.
Some replacement bus stops may also be located a short walk from railway stations, so travellers are encouraged to check their departure points before setting off.
£3 Million Investment in the Derwent Valley
The nine-day closure will allow Network Rail engineers to carry out a substantial programme of track renewal work at three locations along the line.
Work will take place near Matlock Bath, Cromford and Whatstandwell, with engineers replacing approximately 4.6 kilometres of railway track.
The project will involve installing 3,509 new sleepers and around 6,400 tonnes of ballast, the stone material that supports railway tracks.
Specialist engineering trains will be used to help complete the improvements within the planned closure period.
Network Rail says the investment will help deliver smoother, more reliable journeys while reducing the likelihood of future disruption caused by ageing railway infrastructure.
Passengers Advised to Plan Ahead
East Midlands Railway is encouraging customers to check their journeys before travelling and allow additional time when using rail replacement buses.
Passengers requiring assistance are advised to contact EMR’s Passenger Assist team in advance, particularly where replacement bus stops are located away from station entrances.
Travellers should also consider luggage restrictions and allow sufficient time when connecting between replacement buses and onward train services.
When Will Trains Return?
The engineering work is scheduled to finish on Sunday 22 November, with normal train services expected to resume from Monday 23 November 2026, subject to the successful completion of the work.
Although the temporary closure will cause inconvenience, the improvements are intended to provide longer-term benefits for passengers using the Derwent Valley Line.
Check Before You Travel
Passengers planning journeys during the closure should check the latest travel information and replacement bus arrangements before setting off.
Closure dates: Saturday 14 – Sunday 22 November 2026
Affected route: Derby to Matlock
Alternative transport: Rail replacement buses calling at all stations
Expected reopening: Monday 23 November 2026
For further details, visit:
East Midlands Railway – Derby to Matlock Service Alterations
Passengers can also use the National Rail Journey Planner for up-to-date journey information.