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Thursday 5 Jan 2017

Network Rail to hold information events in Kettering and Corby ahead of vegetation removal

Region & Route:

| Eastern

Residents living near the railway in Northamptonshire are invited to attend drop-in sessions as work to upgrade the Midland Main Line continues.

Earlier this year the line between Kettering and Corby was closed for six weeks to allow Network Rail to begin laying a second track which will create the opportunity for extra trains to run in the future.

Now, as part of the wider upgrade to the Midland Main Line, Network Rail is planning to remove vegetation from the side of the railway to make way for the gantries that will support the overhead wires which carry power to electric trains.

Large trees, as well as small bushes and weeds, must be removed to a distance of 6.5 metres (or the railway boundary) because they can interfere with the safe operation of the network and potentially fall onto the railway during periods of adverse weather.

The work will take place from 26 January and residents are invited to attend either of two public information events to find out more about the activity, meet the project team and understand how the work might affect them.

Details of the events:

• Kettering - Monday 9 January, Kettering Borough Council, Municipal Offices, Bowling Green Road, Kettering, NN15 7QX, 2.30pm to 7pm.
• Corby - Tuesday 10 January, West Glebe Sports Pavillion, Cottingham Road, Corby, NN17 1SZ, 2.30pm to 7.00pm

The work forms part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan, to deliver a bigger, better railway for passengers and will mean quieter and cleaner trains for those living near the railway.

Spencer Gibbens, principal programme sponsor for the Midland Main Line upgrade, said: “The next phase of the Railway Upgrade Plan for the Midland Main Line will see us prepare the track and the surrounding land for the installation of the overhead wires which will provide power to electric trains. We have a detailed plan for where and when we will be working and anyone who is interested in finding out more should come along to either drop in event or contact us for more information.”

Anyone who wishes to learn more but who can’t make either event should visit networkrail.co.uk/contact or call the 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

Notes to editors

Before vegetation work begins, Network Rail will carry out an ecological survey to identify any protected species and make sure appropriate working methods are put in place.

Work will be carried out between 22:30 and 07:00 Monday to Friday, but there may be occasions when it is necessary to work during the weekend. Residents living near the railway will be notified if work is to take place over the weekend.