02.03.18
Network Rail to begin ‘crucial’ track straightening work on Midland Main Line
Network Rail engineers are set to complete the first section of a major line speed upgrade in Market Harborough this weekend.
The work will see track straightened, allowing trains to travel through the section more quickly and increasing the overall line speed on the Midland Main Line.
However, due to disruption caused by the upgrades, Network Rail has warned that no trains will call at Market Harborough station on four Sundays between 4 and 25 March, instead replaced by buses.
This is the latest in a programme of work completed between the infrastructure manager and East Midlands Trains, with earlier improvements including new car park and access road developments at the station.
“The work taking place at Market Harborough is a crucial part of the long-term plan for change on the Midland Main Line Upgrade which will provide better journeys for the growing number of people using the railway,” explained Jake Kelly, managing director of East Midlands Trains.
“People who have been travelling through the station will have already seen work taking place on the new car park which is expected to open in early spring and this next phase of work will see the start of major work on the infrastructure.
“Inevitably, there is some short-term pain whilst this improvement work is carried out, and along with Network Rail, we have tried to limit the disruption as much as we can. However, it does mean that trains will be replaced by buses from Market Harborough on Sundays during March and we’d advise customers to check their journeys before travelling.”
Rob McIntosh, route managing director at Network Rail, added: “We’re delighted to have moved onto the next phase of this major upgrade, which will see the track straightened.
“This work will mean trains can travel at faster speeds along this section, resulting in a reduced journey time for passengers and we hope the improvements will help to drive economic growth in the East Midlands.”
McIntosh went on to thank passengers for their patience while the delays are in place, saying that Network Rail and East Midlands Trains had worked to keep disruption to a minimum.
The Midland Main Line has been the subject of some controversy in recent times, with transport secretary Chris Grayling deciding to cancel electrification north of Kettering.
The secretary of state told the Commons Transport Committee in mid-January that his decision came down to finances, and a lack of value for money provided by the project.
Top image: Network Rail
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