Having seen major investment in the 1950s, the line was controversially closed to passenger traffic on 5 January 1970. This was despite a recommendation in the Beeching Report, which had earmarked the Hope Valley line for closure to passenger services instead. However, it was clear that this alternative Hope Valley route through Edale would be required to remain open for social and network reasons and could handle all Manchester–Sheffield passenger traffic. The Class 77 locomotives, which were used to haul passenger trains, were sold to the Netherlands Railways, where 1500 V DC electrification was the standard and remains so.