Latest stage of major project at Market Harborough station means two weekends of changes for East Midlands rail passengers

Over the two weekends, Network Rail will be undertaking track and signalling work as well as starting to install the new station footbridge. The footbridge will be equipped with lifts, improving access at the station and opening up travel opportunities for more passengers. Station users will be able to use the bridge from June 2019.

The work is part of the Market Harborough Line Speed Improvement Project, which will straighten the line running through the station. The project will also bring major improvements to the station, including a new footbridge with lifts and longer platforms to cater for longer trains with more seats and a reduced stepping distance.

To allow the work to be carried out safely, all lines between Kettering and Leicester will be closed from 22:00 on Saturday 16 February and all day on Sunday, 17 February. From 22:00 on Saturday, 23 February and all day Sunday, 24 February, the line will be closed between Market Harborough and Leicester.

This means changes to train services in the area and passengers are urged to plan ahead as coach replacement services and diversionary routes will be in operation. London services will not call at Market Harborough and there will replacement coaches from Leicester and Kettering to and from Market Harborough. Those wishing to travel can check via National Rail Enquiries or with East Midlands Trains.

Rob McIntosh, Route Managing Director for Network Rail, said: “We’re delighted to be moving onto the next stage of vital improvements to Market Harborough station. The installation of the footbridge will improve the experience for all those who use the station when it opens in June and will ensure we can continue to provide a railway which meets the needs of the communities and economies we serve.

“We are carrying out the work over two weekends as we know it’s a time when fewer people travel, but we do appreciate that this can be disruptive so we would like to remind passengers to check before they travel.

“We are working closely with East Midlands Trains to keep passengers moving and we’d like to thank passengers for their patience.”

Jake Kelly, Managing Director for East Midlands Trains said: “The work being carried out at Market Harborough over these two weekends in February will see the first steps of installation of the new footbridge, which will transform accessibility of the station in the future for Market Harborough passengers.

“We are working with Network Rail to make sure there is as little disruption to passengers over the two weekends and recommend that customers check before they travel.”