In 1864 an act was obtained allowing a short  extension to the Midland Railway's line near Barnsley; the new chord would have enabled the South Yorkshire company to take advantage of their recently acquired running powers to Wakefield and Leeds over the Midland's lines.
In 1864, legislation was approved enabling a continuation of the Midland Railway's line near Barnsley; this extension would have enabled the South Yorkshire company to benefit from their recent acquisition of running rights to Wakefield and Leeds via the Midland's lines.