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Tuesday 23 Apr 2024

New footbridge opens over Midland Main Line in Leicestershire as electrification project continues

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Midlands

A new footbridge over the railway line in Kibworth has opened which will allow Network Rail engineers to continue to electrify the Midland Main Line.

Engineers have installed a new footbridge on School Road in Kibworth to enable overhead wires to pass underneath, resulting in a greener, quieter, and faster railway for passengers.

The original School Road bridge had to be demolished as it was not tall enough for electric wires to safely pass underneath, with its new replacement now at the required height.

The wires will eventually power East Midlands Railway’s new bi-mode trains through the area as part of the Midland Main Line upgrade.

A temporary footbridge was installed to make sure residents could access shops and local schools safely whilst the work on the permanent bridge was ongoing.

Network Rail has also successfully completed work at Wistow Road bridge in Newton Harcourt, however Leicestershire County Council has retained the road closure at the site while work is completed in other areas.

Work is continuing at Newton Lane Bridge in Newton Harcourt to rebuild the structure to a height where overhead wires can pass underneath with an estimated completion date of mid-June.

Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail’s East Midlands Route, said: “I am delighted that work has been completed on the installation of a new footbridge in Kibworth. This is a vital link in the village and this new structure will provide safe access across the Midland Main Line for years to come.

“The work we have completed at School Road bridge and at other sites in the area will allow overhead wires to pass underneath the bridge, leading to smoother, greener journeys for passengers along our East Midlands route.

“I would like to thank local residents for their patience and understanding while the work was ongoing.”