Introduction

This line ran from Sheffield to Manchester via the famous Woodhead tunnel; the line was known as the Woodhead Route. The company was one of the founder members of the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincoln Railway which became the Great Central Railway upon its extension to London. The line was later electrified with DC to reduce costs. However, much of the route, including the tunnel, is now closed. Following Corus recent announcement (29/04/2003) of the (partial?) closure of Stocksbridge Steelworks the remaining Sheffield to Deepcar section must be under some degree of threat.