14.11.17
OLE installed on Midland Main Line route for first time in 40 years
Network Rail’s Orange Army has reached a major milestone this week as overhead line masts for electrification were installed on the London to Corby route for the first time in over 40 years as part of the Midland Main Line electrification programme.
Engineers laid 40 new masts along the section of track between Corby and Kettering ready to hold the overhead lines necessary for electrification to begin. They had to carefully align and then secure the 5m masts onto cylindrical steel pipes, installed earlier this year.
This is the next step in the major project, building on upgrades that have already taken place on this section of the mainline – such as raising and strengthening bridges and installing 10,000 yards of fencing, as well as new track and signalling.
Despite the achievement, the already-disrupted project was marred by unexpected cutbacks early this year, when transport secretary Chris Grayling announced that plans for electrification north of Kettering would be scrapped.
The move was justified with the advancement of bi-mode trains, which Grayling said would eliminate the need to electrify every section of line to achieve improved journeys.
However, the remainder of the project will still be completed – with this week’s milestone just one of a number of new modernisation plans.
The upgrade also includes the installation of new track south of Kettering; resignalling, track and platform construction in Derby; capacity and line speed improvements between Bedford and Market Harborough; and longer platforms with a more accessible station at Market Harborough.
Rob McIntosh, route managing director at Network Rail, explained: “Reaching this landmark step on the upgrade of the Midland Main Line has real significance. It brings us a step closer to transforming rail travel for passengers in the East Midlands region as well as those travelling through it.
“Coupled with our projects elsewhere on the route, this upgrade will bring real, meaningful benefits to the communities and economies our railway serves.”
Top image: Network Rail
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