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Friday 23 Jun 2023

Drivers in Newton Harcourt urged to plan ahead as Midland Main Line Upgrade progresses

Region & Route:

Eastern

Network Rail is urging road users in Newton Harcourt to allow extra time for their journey as major work to upgrade two railway bridges takes place.

Network Rail is in the process of electrifying the Midland Main Line from Kettering to Wigston. This will help to create a cleaner, greener electrified railway for passengers travelling along this section of the Midland Main Line in the future.

As part of this work, bridges on both Fleckney Road and Wistow Road will be demolished and rebuilt to provide clearance for equipment needed for electrification.

Wistow Road has been closed since May to allow work on the bridge there to take place, and, from Monday, 26 June,  three way traffic lights will be in operation on Glen Road to allow work to begin to the bridge on Fleckney Road. 

These traffic lights will remain in place until Friday, 14 July. During this time, motorists are urged to leave more time for their journeys.

Fleckney Road will fully close to motorists on Monday, 31 July. During this time, a clearly signposted diversion route will be in place. The road will remain closed until February 2024.

The work has been planned to cause the least amount of disruption to residents and rail passengers, in collaboration with Leicestershire County Council. 

Jenny Blake, Senior Sponsor at Network Rail, said:“The work we’re doing to raise these bridges is crucial and will help us move forward on the Midland Main Line Upgrade.

“We’re doing everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum, and we’d urge drivers to leave extra time for their journey whilst these traffic lights are in place. We would like to thank everyone for their patience during this time.”

ENDS