13.07.20
Two weeks of Midland Main Line improvement work
As vital work continues on the £1.5bn Midland Main Line Upgrade, passengers who have to travel over the next two weekends are being urged by Network Rail to check their journeys beforehand.
Engineers will carry out work to fit the final section of the overhead line equipment on the route, in preparation for bi-mode trains, which have various environmental benefits and are quieter, to run on the line in future between Bedford and Corby, via Kettering.
The overhead power lines carry 25,000 volts of electricity, enough to seriously injure or kill anyone that comes into contact with them. Therefore, Network Rail is reminding people of the dangers of trespassing on the tracks.
Work has already occurred to commission and test two new substations on the route to provide the power which is needed to allow more trains to run in future.
Over the next two weekends, vital work will also be carried out to test the electrical system, upgrade sections of the track on the Midland Main Line and advance the surfacing of the platforms at Wellingborough and Kettering stations.
There are numerous changes to services between Sheffield/Nottingham/Derby and London St Pancras International over the two weekends to enable to work to be completed safely.
Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “We would like to thank passengers for their continued patience whilst this essential part of the Midland Main Line Upgrade is carried out.
“This work to install the final section of the overhead line equipment and carry out vital testing is a major step towards the completion of the Midland Main Line Upgrade, which will bring improved, faster journeys for passengers, with more seats and a more reliable railway.
“We strongly advise passengers who must travel to check their journeys in advance with National Rail Enquires or their train operator and allow plenty of time to travel.”
Image: Network Rail