Midland Main Line electrification milestone

Network Rail says that this weekend engineers will have installed half of the foundations needed for an electrified railway between Kettering and Wigston as part of the Midland Main Line upgrade.

The foundations will support masts that will eventually carry the electric wires needed to power cleaner, greener, electric and hybrid trains through this area in the future. By the end of weekend (28 and 29 January), Network Rail will have installed around 640 foundations through a process called piling, to reach the halfway point.

Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail said: “Installing half of our foundations is a significant milestone which takes us one step closer to delivering a cleaner, greener railway for both passengers and our lineside neighbours.

“We’re packing in as much work as we can over the weekend and there will be some changes to services through Market Harborough. Please plan ahead, check your journey before setting off and allow extra time.”

At the same time between Kibworth and Market Harborough, teams will continue to clear way for the multi-million-pound electrification scheme by cutting back overhanging lineside vegetation.

To allow this work to take place safely, no trains will call at Market Harborough station on Sunday 29 January. Services to and from London will be diverted via Melton Mowbray and Corby, and EMR Connect services will only run between London and Wellingborough.

Buses will replace trains between Market Harborough and Kettering / Leicester to keep passengers moving.

Those planning to travel should check before they travel via National Rail or their train operator’s website and allow plenty of time to complete their journey.

Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director for EMR said: “We are asking any customers planning to travel to or from London on Sunday 29 January to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to complete their journey.

“Our trains will be unable to call at Market Harborough station on Sunday 29 January and our Intercity services to and from London will be diverted via Melton Mowbray and Corby. Our EMR Connect services will only run between London and Wellingborough.

“Rail Replacement buses will keep passengers moving between Market Harborough and Kettering / Leicester.

“We would like to thank our customers for their patience whilst the engineering work along the Midland Main Line is taking place.”

Photo credit: Network Rail

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