In March 2021, it was announced by Minister of State for Transport, Andrew Stephenson, that £137 million would be used to upgrade the line. A joint venture between Volker Rail and Story Contracting was awarded an £80 million contract for the delayed Hope Valley upgrade. The work includes creating a passing loop between Bamford and Hathersage, and adding a second track and platform at Dore and Totley station. This will allow passenger trains to pass slow-moving freight and allow three fast trains per hour between Manchester and Sheffield. There will also be improvements to the Jaggers Lane Bridge in Hathersage. Construction is expected to start in 2022 and be complete by 2023.