Media centre

Monday 13 May 2019

Major upgrade to railway in Leicestershire means temporary changes to level crossings

Region & Route:

Eastern

Network Rail is advising level crossing users in Leicestershire and Rutland that there will be six days of changes to level crossings as major work to the railway as part of the Midland Main Line Upgrade takes place in Market Harborough.

Between Tuesday, 28 May and Sunday, 2 June (inclusive), the line through Market Harborough station will be closed, meaning no trains will be able to travel on the Midland Main Line between Market Harborough and Leicester. This means that some trains will be temporarily rerouted, increasing the number of trains passing over level crossings in the counties, particularly in the Oakham and Melton Mowbray areas.

Level crossings which will be particularly affected are:

• Oakham level crossing
• Brooksby level crossing
• Asfordby level crossing
• Rearsby level crossing
• Broome Lane level crossing

During the six days, these crossings will see an increase in the number of trains passing over them. This means the number of times the barriers at the level crossings are lowered will increase, so all level crossing users are advised to allow additional time for their journey.

Network Rail is also urging level crossing users not to be complacent and to follow all of the safety and warning signs at the crossings. Throughout the six day period, Network Rail’s Mobile Safety Vans will visit the affected crossings.

Vinny Briggs, Route Level Crossing Manager for Network Rail, said: “Major work is taking place to the line at Market Harborough station as part of the Midland Main Line Upgrade.

“This work means no trains are able to run on the line through Market Harborough station and trains in the area will be diverted. This will lead to an increase in the number of trains passing over level crossings in the area, which in turn means more barrier down time at these level crossings.

“We would urge all level crossing users to allow additional time for their journey and would like to remind them just how important it is to follow all of the safety information at the crossing.

“We would like to thank all those affected for their patience whilst this major upgrade takes place.”

ENDS